Complaint: I opened my account over two years ago with a 6.99% rate. Late last year they raised the rate to 16.99%. Then i open this months statment & see they've raised it again to 34.99%!!!!! My credit score is 760 & had not made any purchases that would make my interest rate rise.All my bills are paid on time & I usually pay double the min amount due. When i contacted the company, they claimed it was to adjust for the economy....what a crock !!! I should say...what a bunch of CROOKS. Fortunaltly i have the cash to pay it in full & tell them where they can put my next statment.

Complaint: DO NOT GET THIS CARD! When I started my small business, I need some kind of credit for initial purchases. I did some research, and thought the research I did was credible.. a website for small business owners that touted Advanta as being a good card for small business owners. I could have gotten a line of credit at my bank (and should have!), but the bank's rate was higher so I went with Advanta at 7.99%. The first year and a half was great. I paid my bills on time every time. I never went over my limit. I thought if I paid on time and followed all the rules (and even most often paid ! way more than that minimum payment) I would be able to keep that rate. I was so wrong! In January of this year, they jumped the rate to 16.99%. When asked why, they said because they "reevaluated" my credit risk and based on that raised my rates. Ok, my credit is very good! I just checked it last week, as I regularly check my credit to make sure it is correct! My credit is probably even a higher score than when I got the card from Advanta originally as none of my other cards have a balance and closed an account on another after paying it off. In May, they raised my rate AGAIN to 34.99%! What in the hell happened between January and May of the same year? NOTHING! They use bogus reasons to raise your credit rate, and if you call them on it, they fall back on the "your agreements states we can do this at any time for any reason." So they WILL do it.. eventually, and BECAUSE THEY CAN. They are scam artists, like theives who lie in wait.. lulling the customer into a sense of s! ecurity that they are good guys.. and then they will raise your rates to those of a loan shark.

Complaint: Well, I guess I am going to sound like a broken record here since my story has already been posted about 100 times on this site (and others, I'm sure), but these guys are an ABSOLUTE FRAUD and A SCAM! Like everyone else, I was attracted to the low 7.99% APR for my business card. Then, unexplicably it went to 16.74%. Now I opened my May statement and IT HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED to 34.99%!! OUTRAGEOUS!! I have never had EVEN ONE late payment to this or any other credit card company, and my credit score is over 780!! I called them and the rep said I could "opt out" of the high! er rate by faxing a letter saying I don't accept this new rate. I followed his instructions, but judging by all of the other posts here, somehow I don't think it is going to be that easy. We'll see. In the meantime, I cut up my card and applied for a new card from Discover to transfer the balance. I will not give these despicable crooks even one more penny of my business!! To do this to responsible, hard working customers who always pay on time is just pathetic, especially in these financial times! How do these guys get away with this ABSOLUTE ROBBERY?? I will be filing complaints with the California AG, the FTC and anyone else who can stop these monsters from VISCIOUSLY SCREWING PEOPLE!!

bill g

hanove ma. 02339
spectraelectric@aol.com
complaint_against: advanta

complaint: these people are rude before you think about getting there card ( beware) they will and do raise your rate up to 33 % when you open at 7.99 as they did to me . these asses told me my credit changed and my rate went from 7.99 to 23.00 for no reason my credit is and always been perfect they could.nt even tell how it changed aftr and got my bill to 17,000 them it went up im paying it off in full thank god i can but im sure most cant so buyer beware of cards let this low rate its a scam come/on do yourself a a good deed and go somewhere else bill g in ma..

Complaint: Excellent credit and timely payments are spurned by Advanta - They will nail you after years of a trouble-free credit relationship. After 2 1/2 years at 7.99% during which they profited from interest on a moderate balance, well below the credit line, they "notify" you on line 60 of 100+ line notice, printed in 5pt type on the tear-off sheet with some convenience checks, that the rate on the entire balance will adjust based on an "index" rate of over 16%. "Adjust to what?" you might ask. The amount is not even stated but a phone call leads to the answer of 23%. You've got 9 business days to close the account ! in writing (including transit time in the mail). If you were so irresponsible to be on vacation when this arrived, or so ambitious as to be away on business, too bad - they've got you for the 23%. Contact your legislators and let them know that their positions depend on them protecting people from this kind of predation.

Complaint: May 2008. This company is a rip-off. Gave me a business card with $22,000 limit and 7.99% interest, which I used for about 2 years, then last month they increased interest rate to 24.99%! Balance was never over limit (way under as a matter of fact), never had a late payment, and always paid more than minimum. When I called, they said a notice had been sent about increasing the interest rate and that it was increased due to a review of my credit file. They refused to disclose what exactly the negative info was - I'm sure because it's a bull**** line anyway....my credit is excellent. Well I've just paid off the ! balance in full today and will close this account. THIS COMPANY SCAMS ITS CUSTOMERS.

Complaint: A recent increase from 16% to 34.99%, a nearly usurious rate. To see that APR on a statement is a shock, particularly with A-1 credit history, no late payments ever, etc etc. I asked the CS rep on the phone the reason for the increase? "The company just decided to increase its fees." If you received the Advanta letter of April 15, 2008, (nice timing...), you must respond in writing by June 5, reject the increase and close the account. However you must pay off the balance and maintain minimum payments until paid off at the old APR. Send your rejection letter to Advanta Bank Corp. Include the account number, a statment that you are the authorized signer for the account, a statement that you reject the "offer" and to close the account. I would also require them to report the account as "CLOSED BY CONSUMER" to any credit agencies to whom they contribute information. Hopefully, corporate behavior like this will get whacked.

Complaint: Advanta card company is a loan shark that pray on people. They are purely evil, looters who steal in the light of day and have no sense of ethics what so ever. Stay away from these thieves!! WATCH you backs.

Complaint: www4.fdic.gov/STARSMAIL/index.asp HEY ALL HERE IS THE WEB SITE TO FILE COMPLAINT AGAINST THE FKN RIPOFF ADVANTA CARD THEY HAVE A "ADVANTA" SPEICIALIST ON DUTY TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN RIPPOFF BY THIS SHITTY COMPANY PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AND LETS HOPE WE CAN SAVE MORE SOULS FROM THE FKN RIPOFF ADVANTA CARD RON S
THE ADVANTA CARD IS NOTHING BUT A FKN SCAM THE HAD MY RATE AT 8.9 FOR ABOUT 7 MOS AND THEN ONE DAY I LOOK AT MY STATEMENT THE RATE JUMPED TO 19.9%.I CALL THE AHOLES AND SPOKE TO THIS AHOLE NAMED CORY WHO SAID HE "UNDERSTOOD" MY FUSTRATION (SOME THING THE TEACH THEM IN BULLSHIT SCHOOL) BUT COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT .I CHECKED MY OWN CREDIT REPORT AND NOTHING HAD CHANGED BUT FOR SOME BULLSHIT REASON THEY SOUGHT TO RAISE IT TO 19.9 THE ARE ALL LYING ASSHOLES AT THE COMPANY AND I HOP THIS EMAIL KEEPS REASONABLE PEOPLE FROM GETTING SUCKED IN TO THEIR BULLSHIT.I AM SO FKN PISSED I CAN HARDLY TYPE SO IF THERE ARE SPELLING MISTAKES WELL RON S

Complaint: Apparently, one of the few agencies that has oversight re Advanta is the FDIC. Because Advanta issues "business cards" there are virtually no laws governing Advanta. However, Advanta is subject to "practice" audit by the FDIC. The more complaints FDIC receives the more questions asked at audit. As well, these FDIC complaint files are being used by the Banking Commitee. FAX a written complaint detailing your circumstances re Advanta to FDIC

Complaint: RUDE, ARROGANT we don't give a f--k attitude RIP-OFF credit card Bank THAT STATES OPENLY WE DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU WHY WE JACKED YOUR RATE FROM 9.99 TO 34.99% WHILE STATING AT THE SAME TIME YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY IS FLAWLESS. They solicited me for months begging me to accept one of their business cards. Have a FLAWLESS credit history across the board from the 3 major reporting agencies for as long as they report (10 year history), a credit score in the stratosphere, 8% FIXED interest rates on most of my cards and sufficient credit card limit's elsewhere to buy a home using Visa/MasterCard. Must agree, from the previous postings I got suckered too by these scum bags. For those more pro-active suggest you google Banking Committee and let him know your experience with Advanta.

Complaint: I have a small non-profit animal welfare organization. I chose the Advanta card because we needed accessability to funds for emergency veterinary services for the animals in our care. Advanta had a great offer of 0% for the first year.....unless you were late with a payment. No problem or so I thought. They do not have the modern niceities such as timely billing NOR do they have automatic bill payment. You can make payments online (I mean after all it IS 2008) but they do not do reminders, they do not send bills out in a timely fashion and if you are like me...having a job, running a non-pro! fit organization and a household....well they will just bank on the fact that you will be day late somewhere along the line and they refuse to make it easy for you to avoid being late.....how else could they possibly justify hiking your rate to 34.5%??? When I called to dispute, the customer service rep simply told me..."everyone's rate has increased & there's nothing I can do" well I don't care about them....I'm running a non-profit business for God sake!! I cancelled the account. Let the buyer beware....if you get lured into a card with Advanta for your small business, you will be out of business in no time flat.

Complaint: For ablsolutely no reason Advanta Credit Card changed all of my agreed % rate of 0 % for balance transfers for 1 yr and 7% after that and for all purchases and turned to charging me 29% for no reason.My loan is a 6000 loan so that is subastancial amount of money. They said they could not tell me why and said they sent me two letters that stated that they would change my credit if I did not reply. I save everything and read it and they never sent me anything, I did not receive this paperwork. Beware of this company... After calling India and being connected t! o someone I could not understand their english I asked for a supervisor who could speak good english because I thought I misunderstood them. I immediatly purchased my free credit report that cost $1.00 (Free) My credit score is 691 that is very good and not a blemish on it not a complaint. This does not seem legal or fair. If anyone knows a way to check on this or have had a similar incident please email me at sheardesign@sbcglobal.net I am going to the news media and anywhere I can to spread the news....

Complaint: My auto pay from my bank to Advanta was set up to pay the card early enough in the month to ASSURE payment each month to insure the 4.99% for the life of the loan for about seven thousand dollars. The 15th payment was received a day before they printed their statements and was credited to the previous month kicking me out of the low interest deal up to 19.1% My banks rotation for monthly payments should have been "monthly" when I selected "every 4 weeks." Do NOT make this mistake as your payment dates will change slightly. I caught this fortunately and will only hav! e to pay DIS-Advanta one month interest ($20 to $110). Certainly I was in the "wrong" but any reasonable bank would see this as a clerical error and they would see my credit score of over 800 and my perfect credit history with them not to mention my income. They denied me any and all attempts to give them my business. I told them I would not do business with such a rigid firm and that their behavior was reprehensible and as close to criminal as could be. I called Chase and they offered me a better interest rate of $2.99 and a cieling on the loan cost fee of $75. This brought my interest back down to $17 per month and got the nasty DIS-Advanta JERKS off my back. The lesson learned here is always have another card that you TRUST. Work with a company who you KNOW is sensible and can EARN and KEEP your business. Advanta Bank is clearly a cesspool of idiots and personally I am happy to be back with Chase... One caveat however. Chase is no "angel" they want to rip you a ! new financial tear in your pocket as fast as the next guy but they lis ten to reasonable requests and they have reversed fees and penalties for me in the past with a sensible excuse or honest mistake explicative. Rigidity sucks. DO NOT work with or give your business to ADVANTA Bank. If you do make sure you avail yourself of auto-pay through them. Allow them to draft the payments (a small fee applies I believe). But the ultimate reason for not doing business with Advant from this consumers stand point is how utterly cruel they were when they knew "they had me." They care more about money than people, morally correct behavior and compassionate understanding. That is why NOBODY SHOULD DO BUSINESS WITH THEM.

Complaint: Paid everything on time and never missed a payment. They raised my rate from 7.9 to 19.9%. They explained it off as internal changes in handling customers, some s like that. It was great for 2 years, now a hassle as I try to transfer out of it.

Complaint: Took advantage of the o% transfer & opened an account. Two years later, out of the blue, they raised my rate to 24.99%. I never missed a payment & my credit scores were at 750. They had no reason to make this change. I quickly paid off the balance & wrote them a letter telling them to go to hell. I will never do business with them for the remainder of my life.

Complaint: Had their card for three years with increasing credit limits. Six months or so ago the reformulated the way the figure interest rates and mine shot up to 34.99%. I called and asked them to lower the rate and they said to pay for six months and they would look at reducing the rate then. I asked if their was anything else I could do and I was told I could cancel the card and pay off the balance at the old rate of 27.99%. I cancelled the card but the rate remained 34.99% I again called and was told to just pay the card off. So I did. Not a reputable company. Avoid at all costs.

Complaint: I had paid my Advanta Card and all others in full. I then decided to consolidate my business expenses from new activities and decided to use my Advanta card because I called them on the phone and was promised a low rate either .98% or 1.98%. I used my existing card and first call them on the phone to see what rate I could get. They agreed and paid the advance to pay my bills. I kept waiting to get a statement so that I could pay my bill and set up an auto pay account. The statement never came so I called to find out what had happened. I was told that they did not have ! an auto pay account set up yet but it would be soon. I finally got a bill and was assessed a late fee which they removed but they announced that they never gave me they lower rate and because of the problem with my payments that ny interest rate was now approximately 24%. This took place over a six month period and so I paid off my account in total but was billed for high interest which I also paid. They showed that my account was $0 but the next month I was billed for $42 which was interest on some unspecified amount of money over some unspecified period of time. I don't know what to do at this point. I just know that I am dealing with an unscrupulas company and feel that we should have some protection under the law. If we just let i9t go we are leaving them to prey on the public. At least I can warn others to stay away from them. I have an excellent credit rating by the way. Bob Claunch

Complaint: Advanta Bank
just raised my rates from 12.67% to 34.99% on a Business Platinum Card...overnight! I have never been even a single day late on any payment to ANYONE in the past 10 years. My credit score is "Excellent" and I have always paid substantially more than the minimum on every one of my accounts. Advanta ALWAYS received their payments at least a week before the due date. When I called to find out why they were screwing me, the rude customer service rep would only say that my account was one of many that had been "re-priced" as a result of Advanta "changing their lending policies." I would call it usury. I c! ut up the card and immediately closed the account. I've written to my congressman, senators, and the Utah State Attorney General about Advanta's Bait and Switch business practices.

Complaint: Typical form Advanta, now that I read the complaints here. Business card start at around 9%, never late, floating a balance, and get hit randomly at 29%. What a joke.

Complaint: After having surgery and losing my job, I enrolled in Advanta's hardship program which removed my interest and lowered my payment for six months. After 5 months and another surgery, I contacted Advanta to get an extension. I had to fill out another hardship request and 4 weeks letter I got a denial letter stating that I was denied with no reason listed. I called Advanta to find out what the problem was and to tell them my financial situation was no better than 6 months ago and no other reason. Subsequently, for the past 5 days I have repeatedly emailed and called Advanta and haven't had any replies at all - very typical of their customer disservice department. Just prior to enrolling in the hardship program I was also getting 10 phone calls per day on my unlisted cell phone which I use as my business number, and these calls began at 8 am. When they want something, they are very adament, but if the tables are turned, watch out. Very belligerant and rude. I will never do business with Advanta again.

Complaint: I just wanted to add my complaint about Advanta while I am still steamed. I have had Advanta for one year and I am currently in the process of canceling card with them. I thought that they were great at first. I got money back from them and they had a much lower interest rate than other cards. I should have known though from the beginning that they were not a company that you could trust when they did not give me the 0% apr that was advertised when I applied and was accepted. I was willing to overlook this though, but now I wish I canceled when they went back on their word then bec! ause over the course of one year they changed my interest rates 4 times. Never in my life have I ever had a credit card that changes their rates so many times and so drastically in one year. My interest rate went from 7% to 35% in a 4 month period. I asked for an explanation and to see if there was anything they could do, but all they told me is that there are several factors that the credit analysis department looks at and they couldn't tell me for sure what had made the interest rate go up so drastically. Then they told me there was nothing they could do right now but I could call back in 90 days and see if they had a lower rate then. NINETY DAYS, that's a long time to have a 35% apr. They changed my interest rate 4 times in 4 months I am sure they could change it again without a problem but their customer service department SUCKS! I have great credit, pay my bills on time, and I have never had such a horrendous experience with a credit card company in my life. ST! AY AWAY FROM ADVANTA!

Complaint: My wife established this account to help her with her small business. Note the word SMALL business. She has had the account in excess of a year. She has been managing her business well and has not used the credit card over the last 5 months. Yesterday (7/21/2008) she gets a letter advising her that the account has be closed due to ...get this...lack of activity! So you run a SMALL business well and do not live off the credit and the account gets closed! No wonder this economy is in the tank, there is nobody at home!! DO NOT USE ADVANTA BANK FOR ANYTHING. I will get on every blog site, website, e-mail campaign, etc. to get this point across. Enough is enough!

Complaint: ROBBED BY ADVANTA I have been a loyal customer of Advanta for over 1 year. Unfortunately, my wife makes all my payments for me. We have always paid more than the minimum payment. ($200 instead of $40) After reviewing my Advanta statements for the past 12 months i realized that I started out at 9.9% apr., after 4 billing cycles the rate went up to 16.99%. When I received my statement for the June, 2008 the rate was 34.99% When I called to complain about the rate I was told by a supervisor (TRAVIS supervisor ID TD1) that because the economy is in such bad shape that they had to raise the to make more money and that they did not have to notify me in advance. I was told there is a subsection in Article 12 of the original credit card agreement that allows them to raise the rate at any time and there is nothing anyone can do about it. TAKE CAUTION PEOPLE, ADVANTA WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY. I FEEL VIOLATED, THIS IS NO DIFFERENT THAN SOMEONE ROBBING MONEY RIGHT OUT OF YOUR WALLET. THE ONLY EXCEPTION, THEY USE A PEN INSTEAD OF A GUN.

Complaint: We currently have credit cards with many different companies and after a bad experience with Advanta quite a few years ago we decided to give them another chance. They were holding steady at 7.99% for a few years, so we decided to transfer our higher rate balances. A few months later we find that they jacked our interest rate up to 23.99% TRIPLE the previous interest rate. They couldn't even provided even a lame excuse as to why (no late payment, etc.) except that they had "reviewed their portfolio of accounts". After a serious complaint they agreed to reducet the rate to 16.99%--still more than DOUBLE the previous rate. We imm! idiately paid off the balance and will no longer do business with the LOAN SHARKS when there is actual customer service available elsewhere.

Complaint: DECEPTIVE AND BAD BUSINESS PRACTICES!!!! HAVE HAD CARD FOR 2 WEEKS SHY OF 1 YEAR, HAD FIXED 9.99...RECEIVED CONVENIENCE CHECKS AND ALMOST RIPPED UP, UNTIL I SAW "CHANGE OF TERMS ON BACK". STARTED READING AND HOW SHOCKED I WAS TO FIND THAT IN 6 BUSINESS DAYS THEY WERE GOING TO CHANGE MY RATE TO 19.99 AT THE MINIMUM!! I HAVE NEVER PAID LATE (ALWAYS ON TIME)AND HAD PAID $350-$750 PER MONTH ON THE ACCOUNT (WHEN MINIMUM WAS ONLY $15). ALL I CAN SAY IS THE WAY THE INFORMATION WAS HIDDEN, THE LIMITED NUMBER OF DAYS TO RESPOND BY MAIL...THEY TRIED TO GET ME, BUT THANKFUL I READ THE FINE PRINT. I WILL BE SENDING THE CERTIFIED LETTER TO NOT ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CLOSING THE ACCOUNT BY PHONE (BUT OF COURSE THEY SAID THAT WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH) SO I WILL SPEND THE MONEY TO MAKE SURE I HAVE PROOF....BUT IF THEY TRIED TO CON ME THIS WAY....WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!

Complaint: Advanta definitely appears to be a predatory lender. I have their Platinum Businesscard with cash back. The rate is okay at 7.99% for purchases. We shall see what the rate is being adjusted to... I made my June payment on the 27th for more than the minimum. I also attempted to get ahead the bill and accrued interest by making my July payment on July 1st. The problem is their billing cycle--for me, at least--ends on the 3rd, so they lumped the July payment in with the June payment and I did not catch it. Here's the fun part. Advanta began calling us at home and work every 20-30 minutes on August 5. I also received an email from them notifying me of my "late" payment. I set up the payment on their web site, but because I did it after 3 p.m. ET, it was not processed until Aug. 6. August 6th, 2008, the calls commenced at 7 a.m. PT, and continued every 5-20 minutes at home and work. Considering I was no more than two days out of their billing cycle, I would say this is extreme harassment! I am closing the account and do not intend to have any more dealings with this company.

Complaint: I have been a customer of Advanta Bank Corp. for years. I was given a great rate on a business credit card--2.99%. I parked a balance there and used the line as a line of credit. In April, 2008, I got a call from their rep that I didn't make the minimum payment that month. The reason that didn't was that I never got a statement that month. They are using this as an excuse to cancel my rate and are trying to charge me 20.74%! They have no actual proof that I did or did not receive that statement, and are using ridiculous logic to justify their bait and switch tactics. I have calculated the interest due based upon two balances that I had @ 2.99 and 6.99% APR's, sent them what I consider to be my final check, and have told them to get lost. I will sue them in NY court if they don't back off or ruin my credit. If anyone else has had this problem with them, let's file a class action suit and sue their butts! Chuck experthire@aol.com

Complaint: BEWARE ADVANTA BANK. DO NOT Apply for a Small Business Credit Card Account. My "Platinum Business Card" opening rate of 7.99% was tripled to 24.99% two years afterwards. No specific reasons were given other than "we're adjusting our rates based on a number of things, including the economy". They currently borrow funds at 2%! I've consistently paid 2-3 times the minimum, and never used more than 75% of the available balance. My personal credit score is over 750. I paid half of the balance that day, the other half next month, and will simply close the account and advocate heavily against Advanta. I immediately filed on-line complaints with the FDIC & the Federal Reserve. Will be also be advocating with the California State Attorney General's Office and any other oversight organizations that I can think of. STAY AWAY from ADVANTA BANK - VERY BAD NEWS for even the most credit worthy.

Complaint: I just got jammed to 34.9%. They waited until I used this card to purchase computer equipment for my biz, and then when they saw they had me- secured the noose. No late payments, and paid more than minimum. I also spoke with a Travis, whom I asked what was the max APR they could charge - "Could this go to 50%?". I was told to look up the law in Utah (as he didn't know), told to seek legal advise, or the best one "can't you transfer the balance anywhere else?". (unfortunately for me, I can't). They beg you to get and use their card, then do everything in their power to make you default. My min. payment went up $50 per month. This may be a - stick a knife in her she's done, for me. I blame our govt that allows this crap to happen without reprisal, as well as these greedy corporate thieves!!

Complaint: My business has had this card for a couple of years, and have always paid it on time, usually much more than the minimum due. (example: the past two months, the minimum due was $400, but I paid $1000). I think I've even made two large payments in one month. Anyway, this past year, I went back to school, in addition to running my company, and have been very busy. I was late on two payments, and I have just noticed that since May, they have been charging me 29.9% interest. Do you believe it? That is the most outrageous interest rate I have ever heard of. I am transferring the balance t! o my Bank of America account, and cutting up their card. I'm sure they don't care about losing my business (apparently), but just thought I would give other people a "heads-up" about them.

Complaint: FOR ALL OF YOU WHO GOT FUCKED BY THE SHITTY RIPOFF CARD THERE IS HOPE!! THEY JACKED MY RATE FROM 7.9 TO 22% ONLY BECAUSE THEY COULD THE BASTARDS SAID IN SO MANY WORDS.THEY TOLD ME I MISSED THE "FINE PRINT" BOUT OPTING OUT HOWEVER IF YOU TALK TO THEM NEVER NEVER GIVE THEM YOUR ADDRESS EVER THAT IS HOW THEY FUCKED ME. ANY WAY I CALLED THE STATES ATT. GENERAL IN CA I WROTE TO THE FDIC AND LOW AND BEHOLD THEY CALLED ME ALL KISSY ASSY SAYING THEY WOULD ALLOW ME TO GO BACK TO THE 7.9 RATE IF I CLOSED OUT MY ACCOUNT. I DID NOT HAVE TO PAY IT ALL OFF I WILL BE MAKING PAYMENTS AT THE OLD RATES A 12500 LOAN AT 7.9 WAY BETTER THAN 22% AGAIN FOR THOSE OF YOU GETTING FUCKED BY THESE ASSHOLE HARASS HARASS HARASS . DON'T GIVE UP WRITE THE FDIC THEY HAVE AN ADVANTA 'SPECIALIST' TO DEAL WITH THE FUCKING RIPOFF COMPANY!!WOW DO I SEEM ANGRY LOL I FKN AM!!! REALLY SO THE ONLY WAY TO BEAT THE BASTARDS IS TO MAKE AS MUCH TROUBLE FOR THEM AS YOU CAN GOOD LUCK ALL ONE VERY VERY ANGRY PISSED OF XCLIENT OH YEAH AND ADVANTA CARD GO FUCK YOURSELFS BOY DO I FEEL BETTER LOL

Complaint: Thievery is too kind a word for these unethical busines practices. They would rather rape those who actually pay then penalize those who do not. The average guy who is complying is getting the shaft while those others merely file bankruptcy and have the balances charged off. Of all of the credit card companies I am familiar with, Advanta is clearly the worst. Did business with them several years ago and one would hve thought that they had learned a lesson. Instead, gave them a second chance and have regretted it every single day. Moral of the story, Never remarry your Ex-wife!!! They jack up the interest rates under penalty pricing and although your other credit cards are less than 17% they claim it is based on the average of your portfolio. I'm sorry oh brainless one, my portfolio has one card at 17% and the rest are less. You must have been absent from school they day your math teacher covered averages. If your want results, stop communicating with the customer no-service representatives and file your complaints with the following: Better Business Bureau (state and national) Federal Trade Commission (unethical misleading advertising practices) Comptroller of the Federal Currency (credit cards policies) Federal Reserve Bank (interest rates) If people were to send a boatload of complaints about Advanta to these agencies Advanta and their legal teams would start telling people that change is necessary. Simply because the shot gun effect a million times over would send up red-flags and the questions would drive people nuts!!!

Complaint: I applied for this card and kept it solely in case I had a cash flow problem and needed a short term loan. Well, that day came and I called Advanta to see how much I could write a credit check for. They told me in their recording that I had a zero balance and a credit limit of $5k. The recording said I could charge up to $5k or write a credit check for $5k. So that's what I did. Then their statement came and there was a $39.00 charge for going over my credit limit of $5k. I called them and they refunded the $39. fee. Then my next statement came showing the credit and showing that it was! charged again. So I called back and told them to take it off the statement and they said no. This is FRAUD. You cannot tell a customer that they are permitted to write a check for a specific amount and then charge them a penalty for doing just that! This is FRAUD! I paid off my account in full and told them to cancel it. I suggest to everyone that they should never do business with Advanta. They are despicable. They knowingly and willfully steal money from customers through fraudulent schemes.

Complaint: Feel a little bit better that I am not only one screwed by Advanta.My rate was doubled out of the blue. Same story as others. We "reviewed" in May and sent letter in June. (letter did not happen) Could not tell me why my rate raised specifically as their process is "proprietary" and can't be revealed. My guess is that Advanta cash flow is down so they are beating up those of us who pay faithfully every month. Interestingly, I am being charged 6 points more than is legal in Ohio but, because Advanta is based in Utah it can charge the higher rate. I think folks in Utah sh! ould talk to their legislators about stopping being a haven for usurious banks. I intend to print thwese pages and show them to my congressman.

Complaint: I have a small business account with Advanta. I have a great credit score, pay over the limit each month - sometimes pay a couple of thousand on the card each month - and keep a balance of around $10,000. My interest rate was 7.99% fixed. I looked at my statement this month, and it's 16.99%! I called to question it. I was told that my account had been reviewed in January, that the interest rate was raised and that I had been notified. (I hadn't). I was told that I was a poor credit risk, that the economy was bad, that they had reviewed my credit records, that there were no other interest rates available - th! e list of excuses went on an on. (I have a great job - excellent credit - and in my personal accounts, I pay no more than 6% a month for my credit card fees!) I went through a supervisor and was quite rudely told that there were no other interest rates available. However, I found the 7.99% rate advertised online. I called back. Yes, it was available for NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY - and they should count on it being changed after a few months. Needless to say - I'm cancelling this card. I've already applied for another.

Complaint: Let me tell you about my experience with Advanta Credit Card Company. I loved them for 4 years. Doubled paid my bill a week early. I had two cards with them. One was 7.9 fixed and the other 8.9 fixed. I was so happy and they always were there for me until....... They decided to raise my interest rate on the one card to 16.9% and the other card 21%. They never sent me a letter which by law they are supposed to. I completely lost it. I was so fuming when I realized they double and almost tripled my interest for no reason whatsoever. So I screamed at their customer service person on how I was a great customer, and that I was a credit card company's dream client. At the END of the call the customer service lady said she would bring my first card down to 8.9% and the other one down to 9.9%. I then screamed at her and said, "WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST BUMP IT UP TO THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!" What are they trying to do, see how much money they can steal from you without you knowing???? Then to top it off, I come home and find out my wife ordered some stupid TV product called Awesome Auger. She didn't buy one, she bought TWO of them. I walked in the door and told her to cancel the order. I already got an Awesome Auger from someone as a gift and it ain't awesome at all. So she canceled the order..... so we thought. Well, it seems they charged us $60 for this stupid device and sent it to us anyway. They also charged us $64 TO SHIP THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE!!!!! $64!!!! YES. I DID NOT TYPE THE SHIPPING WRONG. $64. $4 MORE THAN THE COST OF THE LOUSY PIECE OF JUNK. So we went to our lovely Advanta Credit Card company and we put it in dispute. We went back and forth with dispute letters explaining how we canceled the day we bought it and we want our money back. Every penny! Advanta finally writes us and says: "Under MasterCard regulations the merchant has provided sufficient documentation to support the transaction they billed to your account........ Your best recourse is to continue to pursue this issue directly with The Awesome Auger." Are you kidding me? That's it? Oh, no that is not it! Here is my next course of action. Starting monday morning I will be calling the corporate office at 215.657.4000 and I will be speaking with the following people: Dennis Alter Chairman & CEO William A. Rosoff Vice Chairman & President Philip M. Browne sVP and CFO I probably will only get to speak to their assistants, but that is okay. Because they are going to get to know me better than their own mothers. Everyday I am going to start my day with a cup of coffee and a phone call to all three of them. I am going to speak with them through the holidays. I will call their voicemail when they are not in the office and continue to leave messages asking for them to credit my account $131.50. That's right. It will be the hardest $131.50 I have ever earned and it will be worth it. To be continued........

Complaint: I also have an Advanta Business card which had an interest rate of 7.99% and when I opened my bill today I found the rate had jumped to 25.49%. I called them and got the sameresponse as others. Your credit score is based on credit history, payment history, account balances, number of other accounts ect. ect. I explained to the lady that I have great credit, never late always pay more then the minimum payment ect, she said that the economy is also bad. I asked if that meant that others not paying their bill was why my interest rate trippled and she said that could be so! mething they consider. I got nowhere talking to them and will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I would like to also find a way to do more. Any lawyers want to go after them, let me know, I'd be glad to join in...

Complaint: My interest rate just jumped from 7.99% to 24.99%. I have asked for the reason why and was told it is a variety of resaons and that they cannot supply the information. I demanded a summary and told me one did not exist. Is there anything at all that can be done?!? I have made all of my payments on time and have no company credit issues. This is such a scam!!!!!

Complaint: Advanta credit card is the worst company I have ever come across. They changed my interest rate to 35% and I did not have a late payment. My account was in perfect standing.

Complaint: Hi folks. We used Advanta for our business over a several-year period. They have, unilaterally, raised our interest rate to 35%. I called today and they said they could not lower the interest rate at this time. Right. It is unbelievable and so we are paying this card off asap and cancelling the card. DO NOT ACCEPT AN ADVANTA CARD -- these folks are as crooked as it gets. Really quite unbelievable...

Complaint: I received my credit card statement and my 7.99% interest rate increased to 20.49%. I called to have this error corrected and was told that I was sent a letter two months ago stating that I needed to decline the increase. No letter was ever sent or received. I got the run around when I asked them to reverse it, and ultimately received a letter stating that my request was denied. Beware of the scam!!!

Complaint: I've had a business credit card with them for 8 years. I've never been late, I always pay more then the minimum due. Over the years THEY have raised my limit to 48,000. I just got my bill and the rate went from 21% to 35.5%!!! I have NEVER in my life seen a credit card interest that high. I called, spoke to someone who barely spoke English, asked why it was raised, she did not know, asked it to be lowered, she said no. I canceled the card on the spot and will pay it off in full. Stay away from this credit card company. They are nothing short of crooks and I don't know how they get away with this. The next industry to fall will be the CC companies...it's all about greed.

Complaint: Opened Advanta account in 1997. Used the card with various of Advanta's promotional offers. Overnight Advanta raised the rate on about 30K to 34.99 in August 2008 (effectively 46% APR!!). So finance charge went from $150/month to over $1100/mo. They call everyday from India and harrass. I tried to work it out--sent in payment with a letter on the usury laws. I don't know how they can do this--and would expect some consumer advocacy agency to intervene. So far nothing.

Complaint: The only way to stop these people is to keep publishing their behavior and email this complaint page to everyone you know - eventually the email will get around. They bumped us to 37% even though we paid on time and have A+ credit and less than 10% of our limit. We are looking into legal action and will post again if any avenue is available.

Complaint: Stay away from this card I also was scammed at 7.9% I've had the card for about a year and have always paid on time for no apparent reason my interest rate was jacked up to 25% they said they sent me a letter like if that was suppose to make it OK for them to rip me off. It's a darn shame these companies are not governed in anyway and are allowed to take advantage hence the name of the consumer.

Complaint: Ok they got me too. Had the card for 4 months @ 7.99% and todays statement arrived showing interest rate 25.39%. No late payments and credit score of 790 last check. Interest rate jumped from $125 a month to $359 a month. Will call tomorrow but expect the same BS as everyone else. If different I will post again. I will transfer the full balance to Wells Fargo Business card and eat the transfer fee which will be less than continuing that 25.39% rate. What a horrible business model. Their stock ticker is ADVNA and ADVNB and I posted under moehonker on those ticker symbols on ! yahoo finance message boards with this link. 9/2/08 BOL all, Ray

Complaint: Read all the complaints below and above mine is the same. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ADVANTA. And file complaint with Utah BBB and your home state. I have never done this before but felt I had to against Advanta they should be put under the jail and all ther rude employees with them I dont know how they sleep at night. If your thinking about getting a credit card look somewhere else. STAY AWAY FROM ADVANTA!!!! STAY AWAY FROM ADVANTA!!!!

Complaint: I had an advanta business card for over a year with 7.99 fixed interest. Alway paid early and more than the minumum. Next thing know, I get a notice saying my interest is going to 35%. I don't think so. I've got over an 800 FICO score other more reliable cards were falling over them selves to get me to transfer my balance so of course I did. Advanta Bank is the lowest of the low and feed off of small business that can not afford to or don't have the credit to transfer a balance when they decide to rape them. Avoid Advanta bank at all cost.

Complaint: I was a loyal customer for years I even made triple the minimum payments on balences and paid the acount off in full once before. I started with $5,000 limit @ 5.99 %. I closed my account today because over the years they increased my credit line to $20,000 and my interest rate to 35%. I was never 30 days late once in 4 years. They a rude on the phone and I would recommend every one to not do bussiness with them. What they do should be illegal. Before I cancelled they were trying to charge me $202.00 in interest a month on a 7k balence. I should have found this site years ago and left Adva! nta.

Complaint: I've had a business account with Advanta for over two years. I was never late once. Last month I noticed that my rate had been increased from the promotional rate of 7.99% to 20.39%!!!!!!!!!!!!! I called immediately. The man who answered said "Well you were late." I asked when they received my payment, he said it posted on 8/13/08. I asked how could it be late, if the due date wasn't until 8/16/08? "Well, there does seem to be a mistake" he said. When I asked him to correct my rate he said "You were sent a letter last month to inform you that your rate was to be increased". When I asked why, he said they review all accounts periodically and determined that my rate should increase - he gave no other explanation, even though I tried to get him to be more specific. I told the man I would cancel my account but he didn't seem to care. I looked at at the fine print attached to the convenience checks that were sent, it specifically said "Any introductory or promotional rate applicable to your account will remain in effect according to its terms so long as you make all payments when due and do not go over your credit limit, and your account remains open and in good standing." Well, it seems that Advanta is breaking their agreement. Isn't that against the law? What recourse do we small business owners have against a company like this? Today I called back again to speak to another representative named Hope. Again I asked why it was determined that my rate should increase. I have excellent credit scores and have always paid on time. Her response was "Our evaluation considers many factors - including the economy - we consider some card holders a higher risk for defaulting and therefore raise the rates." GIVE ME A X%$#^* BREAK - WHAT MORE DO THEY WANT THAN A "VALUED CLIENT" WITH AN EXCELLENT CREDIT RATING THAT HAS NEVER BEEN LATE ONCE? Someone has to get this company's practices to the attention of the media and the government!! THIS IS CONSUMER RIP-OFF!!! Needless to say I transfered my balance to another company (at a better rate than Advanta's promotional rate, by the way) and closed my account. When I closed my account the agent didn't even apologize and said "we'll send you a letter to that affect". I hope the word gets out to NEVER OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH ADVANTA CARD!!

Complaint: I had a 7.99% fixed rate and one week ago received a letter explaining change of status to my account - now 22.99%!!!!! Not for future purchases, for existing balance!!! Like many other reviews here I have good credit, always pay more than double the minimum payment required and have never been late. I called for explanation and got the same run around mentioned prior to this review - basically NO specific reason. I told them I though it was illegal to change the terms to existing balance – that it can only apply to future use… I was told “no, that’s why we offer the option to opt out”. Okay fine - I elected to "opt out" of this change of agreement, meaning they will not increase my APR but my available credit is not accessible and if I use the card it will show that I agree to new terms. Again, no problem - I write the opt out letter, and send to the dedicated fax number they gave me (since the new terms go into affect Sept 2 and I only received the letter August 30, 2008 I needed to expedite quickly)... I would Fed Ex or send certified mail but of course they only offer PO Box. So I fax the opt out letter on Monday 8/25/08 received a confirmation page on my end that it went through - I've called every day (including Monday) to confirm they received it. The first call I was told it takes 24 hrs... I call the next day and am told it could take up to 48 hrs... I call the next day they say it takes 48-72 hrs... and I called today (3.5 business days later) and they still don’t have it in there system!!! I can see this is going to end up in court. They are crazy if they think I'm paying 22+% on my existing balance. Thankfully I have detailed records of all my follow-up calls and the confirmation fax. If this does go to suit I should demand payment for all the time I’ve spent on this ordeal.

Complaint: I had a 7.99% fixed rate and one week ago received a letter explaining change of status to my account - now 22.99%!!!!! Not for future purchases, for existing balance!!! Like many other reviews here I have good credit, always pay more than double the minimum payment required and have never been late. I called for explanation and got the same run around mentioned prior to this review - basically NO specific reason. I told them I though it was illegal to change the terms to existing balance – that it can only apply to future use… I was told “no, that’s why we offer the option to opt out”. Okay fine - I elected to "opt out" of this change of agreement, meaning they will not increase my APR but my available credit is not accessible and if I use the card it will show that I agree to new terms. Again, no problem - I write the opt out letter, and send to the dedicated fax number they gave me (since the new terms go into affect Sept 2 and I only received the letter August 30, 2008 I needed to expedite quickly)... I would Fed Ex or send certified mail but of course they only offer PO Box. So I fax the opt out letter on Monday 8/25/08 received a confirmation page on my end that it went through - I've called every day (including Monday) to confirm they received it. The first call I was told it takes 24 hrs... I call the next day and am told it could take up to 48 hrs... I call the next day they say it takes 48-72 hrs... and I called today (3.5 business days later) and they still don’t have it in there system!!! I can see this is going to end up in court. They are crazy if they think I'm paying 22+% on my existing balance. Thankfully I have detailed records of all my follow-up calls and the confirmation fax. If this does go to suit I should demand payment for all the time I’ve spent on this ordeal.

Complaint: ADVANTA used to be good, now it's a total scam. They moved the payments for each month up to the month before and didn't notify me. Since my bills were on autopay one was technically late. My interest rate went from 3.9% to 31% because of their mistake. How can they make a June's bill due in May? Repeated calls to customer service tells me they are aware of this type of thing and it's their standard business practice to rip people off and it's how they take back teh prootional interest rates. One customer service rep pretended to be a lawyer until I asked for her State Bar ID. One even said she was the vice president of ADVANTA and that was a lie. NO accountability and no morals and no ethics. Notice the record quarterly dividends they are paying out to stock holders??? They can't afford to reimburse mistakes that are their fault. - BAD COMPANY with BAD LEADERSHIP BAD BAD BAD RACIST PEOPLE WHO WILL LIE AND SAY ANYTHIGN TO GET YOU OFF THE PHONE. DO NOT TRUST THEM AND READ THE INFO THEY SEND YOU. They conduct business illegally and need a class action lawsuit NOW!!!!!

Complaint: Have had the Advanta Platinum Business Card for over 7 years with a fixed rate of 7.99%. I recieved my Sept 08 statement today and noticed an increase in APR. I called Advanta and was informed "thousands" of Advanta Bank Corp customers have had their APR's "repriced" upwards, to as high as 30.99%. I have never been late on this card, or any credit card for that matter, and my APR increased to 20.99%. I contacted Advanta (3 seperate times) and each time was told this is the rate and cannot be lowered. My only option was to close the account (not accept terms) and the balance would be! at the new APR of 20.99%. I have since closed the account and transferred the balance to a low rate, paydown on another card. This is happening with major cards in the industry, however it may be short lived as the Fed. Reserve is proposing legislation to stop these tactics of raising rates without warrant and the many other tasteless practices these credit card companies have been imposing on consumers for years. Relief (or maybe retribution) may be in sight.

Complaint: I responded to an offer from Advanta for a Platinum MC Business Card; their stated terms were 0% interest and 0%/$0 transfer fee for 12 months on balance transfers and fixed rate of 7.99% thereafter on any remaining balance from the transfer and for all new purchases... 2 months after initiating a balance transfer with the card, they sent me a notice changing my fixed rate to a variable. when I call, they told me that my new variable rate was only 3.99% for new purchases so I thought all was ok... 2 months after using the card for purchases, my rate was increased from 3.99% to 7.99% and after another 2 months it increased from 7.99% to 25.39% for purchases and 35.39% for cash advances. when I called, I was told the terms of my agreement allowed them to change my interest rate whenever they liked to whatever rate they wanted without any explaination so I immediately closed the account and paid them in full. My FICO credit score is >750, NEVER, NEVER ANYTHING UNPAID OR PAID LATE EVEN ONE TIME, EVER!...owe very little, usually pay in full monthly and when I do not I pay CONSIDERABLY more than any required minimum and ALWAYS pay early and online so that I can track receipt. Judging by my experience, I do not think this bank is honest and needless to say, I certainly do not recommend them...

Complaint: In one month, Advanta raised my credit card interest rate to 34%! I might as well have borrowed money from the mob! They got my business by offering me an 8% rate. I used this card more than my others because of that rate. Now, I can't afford the minimum payments, which are more than double those on other cards with the same balance! This is a disgusting practice. I can't believe it's even legal. Whatever happened to consumer protection in this country?

Complaint: I had an account with Advanta that became deliquent. They sent me a settlement offer and after calling Advanta I accepted and made a payment per the representative's (Jacklyn Stallon -I hope it is spelled right) directions using Western Union. The payment was confirmed by Western Union but when I contacted Advanta to finish paying off the account per the settlement offer I found out they had moved the account to their litigation department!!!! They told me they had recieved the payment but it was a day late, even though it was sent via THEIR DIRECTIONS using Western Union Quick Collect. Since then ! they refused to honor the origional offer and I am still "negotiating" with with. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH ADVANTA!!!! Kris

Complaint: Horrible customer service. I am never able to reach a representative because the office always seems to be closed. They are closed at 8:00 PM EST. I live on the west coast. I tried to make a bank wire transfer payment but because the Advanta office was closed I was late on my payment.I always make an entire payment of the total balance to avoid any finance charge. The representative refused to waive this charge although their poor service and their lack of automated wire transfer capability made it impossible for me to make a payment. I will NEVER use this card again!!! I decided to cancel it t! oday. The best card is AMEX for business owners. They have excellent 24 hour customer service.

Complaint: Re: Advanta Bank Corp of Draper (Salt Lake City), UT; Advanta Business Cards Advanta is the classic "predatory lender." Great offers, then a huge APR hike if you slip once, or maybe even if you don't. No point in recounting my tales, it's all of a piece. For those considering opening an account, or currently fighting with Advanta, some hard won advice: 1) Avoid the Bangalore Brigade. To get a telephone "Account Manager" who is actually able, and possibly willing, to help you (there are some!) as early in the day as possible and DO NOT hit any keys or say anything, just wait out the prompts. 2) To close the account, you can initiate it by telephone BUT THEN cut the card in half and send it certified mail, signature requested to the address in your account agreement 3) Upon opening an account DO NOT WAIT for the first statement in the mail! Immediately set up automatic (eft) payment for the minimum monthly amount to be deducted from your bank account. This may be at or at another site. Keep trying, and calling phone support, until you find the right site and set this up. THEN continue making mailed or by-phone payments untill you see two months' worth of eft payments have been taken from your bank account. If unsure of payment due date or minimum due, you can get this information as an automated report when calling their 800#. Better make two payments in a month than have them claim none at all. 4) Mailed opt-out notices. This has been a favorite trick of theirs for 10+ years. They claim they mailed you a change of terms raising your APR from a low rate to 20+% and you could have kept the original rate had you responded by denying the change, or closing the account. Did they mail this to you, really? Was it one little sheet among many in the monthly bill? The Federal regulatory agencies will calll it a dispute of fact and decline to intervene. 5) Advanta is hard as nails when it comes to their APR rates. They WILL raise them by hook or by crook and they WILL NOT reduce them again regardless of any case you advance. Other banks want your good will. Advanta does not. As a lender of last resort, they are fatal. Once your APR is jumped, you must pay off or balance transfer from another account QUICKLY. Even if you do not default, the rate hike may trigger a hike by your other accounts. forcing you into a general default. 6) Forget about "why." The phone reps are not told why by the higher ups, and the higher ups know what they are doing and feel no need to admit it to you. You will be read boilerplate statements should you complain or ask "why." 7) Advanta Bank Corp (Business Cards) is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Other Advanta products may be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. If un sure, start at this helpful page: For Business Cards go to : to file an online complaint. You will probably get no help BUT with reform legislation in the works, trial lawyer's a-prowlin', and statistics being kept, it is important to give this ruthless bank a little poke in the eye, and go on record with the details of your complaint.

Complaint: fraudulent. call office of the thrift with your concerns. they have jacked my rate from 3% to 10% to 25%. they claim late payments, but do not send confirmations when you schedule a payment so you have proof. i went on line and couldn't find anything at all to indicate that i had a payment scheduled. so, how can i prove anything? i just called them up and they told me i made a payment today, which would post at midnight tonight - but i made the payment yesterday. when i asked to speak to a superviser he said, oh she was wrong. she even gave me today's date and the time i theoretically made the payment. and of course, if live in California or on the west coast, you have to make your payment by NOON which is absurd. total rip off company. pay it off or stop paying them, that's what i say.

Complaint: Always paid on time. Started at 7.99% and just got an increase to 25%. Never late, not maxed out. Credit Score is 800. Called and ask for an explanation and they said it is proprietory. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. OUR DO NOTHING CONGRESS NEEDS TO STOP THIS! Where are Attorneys and the ACLU when consumers are being screwed.

Complaint: Raised interest rate by over 300% in retaliation to a balance transfer of some of my balance

Complaint: I had an Advanta Credit Card for a while without any problems. Then I decided to pay it OFF IN FULL! Shortly after paying it off I wanted to buy a new appliance for my home. When I applied for credit I was denied. I requested a copy of my credit report to see WHY FOR THE FIRST IME IN MY LIFE I WAS DENIED CREDIT! It turned out that Advanta had sent a statement with a late fee to some unknown address and by now that late fee was $300.00's plus interest. I called Advanta and explained to them that I had never lived at the address that they were sending the statement to, that I owned my home and had been living! there for many years. I spent a considerable amount of my time trying to straighten this out. I came to the conclusion that ADVANTA DOES NOT HAVE A DEPARTMENT FOR FIXING THERE MISTAKES!!! If they happen to make an error they just sell off the credit card to someone else with no records. By the time I gave up on trying to get someone to fix this error my card had been passed around to at least 3 other companies none of which has the original record of Advanta's error. It's been several years now and my Experian Credit Report still has the incorrect address that Advanta sent that statement to. What I learned was this; be very careful as to which credit card companies you use. If they make a mistake, you are expected to pay with your hard earned money for there error, and if you don't pay for there mistake they can ruin your credit. If your going to use ADVANTA you'd better pray that they don't make a mistake on you card or you could be PAYING for it years later!

Complaint: This credit card company is a rip off!! I received my statement and they jacked up my fixed interest rate of 9.99% to 25.08%. Where the hell that number come from? I have excellent credit and no derogatory info. on any of the credit agencies. I was late on payment by 2 days in Feb. 2008 and made that payment by phone. I have always paid more than the min. amount to be paid. I called twice today to talk to a customer representative. The first sounded like he was from India or something. Couldn't understand a word he said. I called later in the day and spoke with someone who actually spoke english I could understand but could give me no answer why my rate went up. I told them that if they did not lower my rate I would cancel this card and never do business with them or any other affiliaton related to this hidious corporation. Never has this ever happened to me and I could just spit nails...I am so furious. They could care less. How do these leeches sleep at night.

Complaint: We started out 4 months ago at 7.9% interest then I went online to check next payment due date and they had hiked our rate up to 30%. We were never late, never over limit, credit score over 700. When we contacted them they said it had to do with "utilization review" and they would not lower it. Now we are scrambleing to try and pay the suckers off. They are a fraudualant company set up to take "advanta"ge of persons and businesses. Where are the police they need to be arresting these people?

Complaint: DO NOT APPLY FOR ADVANTA...HIGHLY UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICE...UTILIZES BAIT AND SWITCH...INCREASED INTEREST RATES BY 400%+ IN LESS THAN 5 MONTHS...WHERE IS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IN THIS MATTER...IT SHOULD BE PUBLICIZED WIDELY AS THE PUBLIC SCAM THAT IT IS! Applied for and recd Advanta for my business because of 7.99% interest on purchases and 0% on balance transfers; had Advanta account for FOUR months...paid EARLY and MADE PAYMENT 4 TIMES GREATER THAN THE MINIMUM MONTHLY REQUIRED each of the 4 months...the interest rate has jumped in 2 increments over months 4 and 5 to 25.08% on purchases and 35.08% on transfers. When I questioned this action, I was told the increase was based on a monthly review of our credit profile which is blatantly untrue because NO CREDIT INQUIRIES ARE ON OUR ACCOUNT SUBSEQUENT TO THE INITIAL INQUIRY for credit approval.

Complaint: I too have a very good credit score (750), and have never paid late or paid just the minimum. Advanta statement arrived today and the rate is 25.08%??? It was 7.99%, when I asked when it was changed, I was told I was sent a disclosure in July (I did not receive any disclosure) and when I asked that the rate be lowered, I was told that was the lowest rate I could get-talk about bait and switch, I will complain to the Attorney General of the state of Pennsylvania. My current balance is $2000, and I am going to pay it NOW, I told the person I spoke with on th! e phone ('Shaniqua') that I wanted the account CLOSED-these people are reprehensible, and do not do business with Advanta Bank, they are a RIP-OFF!!!

Complaint: Wow major rip off. My interest rate went from 7.99 to 25 in an instant with no real explanation. Canceled card and paid off. No help from customer service to get my rate down again.

Complaint: TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN RIPPED OF BY THE FKN ADVANTA CARD I URGE YOU TO CALL THE FDIC AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT. THEY HAVE A ADVANTA RIPPOFF CARD SPECIALIST!! THESE GUYS WERE ABLE TO MAKE FKN ADVANTA RIPOFF CARD REDUCE MY RATE BACK TO THE 7.9% IF I CLOSED MY ACCT.I WAS ONLY TO HAPPY TO CALL ADVANTA AND TELL THE TO STICK THEIR CARD AS FAR UP THEIR ASSES AS POSS..I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW OR WHY THEY RAISED MY RATE FROM 7.9 TO 22% BUT THEN AGAIN THEY CANT EITHER!! I TALKED TO A FEW OF THE RUDE FKN MORONS WORKING THERE AND GOT NOTHING BUT BULLSHT ANS THE BEST BEING WE UNDERSTAND BUT THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO LOL THEY ! TEACH THEM WELL IN BULLSHT SCHOOL ANY WAY FOR ALL OF YOU RIPPED OFF BY BY THE FKN RIPOFF CARD CALL THE FDIC WRITE THEM AND DONT GIVE UP!! IT A PAIN IN THE ASS BUT IF I BEAT THE BASTARDS AT FKN RIPOFF ADVANTA YOU CAN TO !!! GOOD LUCK

Complaint: I sure wish I had researched Advanta before I applied for their 0% interest rate business card. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT OPENING AN ACCOUNT WITH THEM! I submitted my electronic payment early and it did not go through due to technical problems (them or me?). I was never late on any card before. Anyway, I was promised by "James" (sure, I could barely understand his poor English through his thick foreign accent} that all the extra charges --- late fee, interest) would be removed within 2 business days per his "manager" as a "one time courtesy". Of course, this was not done. I am closing thi! s account and will NEVER NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN. I am sending a notice to all 3 credit reporting agencies regarding this unprofessional "company". Please do the same if you were scammed by them as well. When the class action lawsuit is filed, I hope my name will be at the top!!

Complaint: Advanta raised my rate to 30% !! from 7.9% after 2 years... called customer service and they gave me the run around. Stay clear of Advanta

Complaint: ALL ADVANTA CARD HOLDERS-BEWARE!!WHO CAN I COMPLAIN TO ABOUT THIS HORRIBLE INTEREST RATE INCREASE!!! After a ten year relationship with Advanta and NEVER a late payment and NEVER a late fee, they raied my interest rate from 12% to 30% IN ONE MONTH. No warning, no notice, no nothing!! I called thinking it was some type of error and they insisted that this was ordinary procedure. Is there ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE?? IS THIS LEGAL??

Complaint: I have had an Advanta business card for several years and had occassional problems with service. However, last month the interest rate jumped from 15.49 to 35.08. Thinking the rate was an innocent mistake, I contacted Advanta and asked for a correction to the account. I was informed the rate would not change and that I could apply at some time in the future for a reduction. My answer was to pay off and close the account. I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau in Utah to complain about the very tactics that have caused the meltdown in the financial markets and n! ecessitated our taxpayer money being used for a bailout. STAY AWAY FROM ADVANTA BANK CORP.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Complaint: Two years ago we applied for an Advanta Small Business Credit Card. They gave us 0% on transfers for 15 months and then 7.99% thereafter. It took us a year, but we finally paid off the credit card and after that was able to pay it off on a monthly basis. I guess they didn't like not getting ANY interest out of us. I have never missed a payment or made a late payment and have always paid way over the minimum due. I have excellent personal credit, too. I got a statement from them a couple of weeks ago that our finance charge was going up to 22.99% and that was an adjustable rate! When I contacted them I got some rigamarole about the economy, blah, blah, blah. We have shelved our Advanta Credit Cards. I'm not going to cancel them because that can look bad on a credit report, but we are certainly not ever going to use them again.

Complaint: 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?

Complaint: Yes I have a very bad taste in my mouth from all the cussing i am doing because of this RIP OFF company. I have had the account for over a yr, 3 months ago they raised my rate from 12.9 to 21.9, i have never been late, always paid more than required...and smack they raised my account to 35 friggin %. I sent the fax they requested telling them i would not except that rate, was told they would reduce it back after recieving it, the did recieve it and then denied it. The lame excuse was because of my personal and business credit report. I HAVE NOT BEEN LATE ON ANYTHING PERSONAL OR BUSINES! S... so what the hell are they trying to pull. This is bullshit. I have told them, i wont pay a damn thing on it unless they reduce that rate. They refuse.... well so be it, i refuse to pay it then, In fact i believe they are doing this shit to all of the customers, and then they will probably go out of business when they have bled us dry.I honestly think they are doing this to end up having the Gov. bail them out in the long run. I REFUSE TO MAKE ANOTHER PAYMENT< I WILL CLOSE THE SMALL BUSINESS BEFORE THEY GET ANOTHER CENT. BBB better jump on thier ass before this gets farther out of controll. SO WHAT WILL THEY DO IF WE ALL JUST STOP PAYING THEM ANYTHING....GIVE US ALL A BAD WRAP ON OUR CREDIT SCORES??? SO WHAT...IF YOU ASK ME WE ARE ALL GETTING SCREWED OVER BY THE 3 CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES ANYWAY. WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO USE OUR SSN TO BEGIN WITH. THERE MUST BE A LAW AGAINST THAT TOO.

Complaint: AVOID ADVANTA BANK CORP. I have had my business card for three years. Always paid my payment on time and over the minimum payment. I receive my statement and my rate has jumped from 10.99% to 30.08%. When I called to discuss this matter I was told that it was due to my credit rating changing. I was told to call back in a couple of months to see if anything has changed with my rating. NO THANKS. I will pay this credit card down and never do business with these loan sharks ever. I am also writing a letter to my Senator, Congressman and anyone else who will listen. I don't know how they get away with these predatory lending scams. THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED!!!

Complaint: September 2008 After 9 months of regular payments and no late payments, Advanta raised the interest rate on my business card from 7.99% to 25.8%. When I called and asked the company why, they said it was due to their "complex formula based on credit history, other credit card payment history, mortages, car loans, etc., which placed me as a high credit risk". They said they were not able to give specifics. But, according to Equifax, my credit rating is 777 - a great rating, and representing only a 2% risk. After the run-around I got on the phone, I suspect this is just a standard ploy of Advanta's. According to several websites, they are a very popular card for small business. I suspect this will soon change.

Complaint: Had this card for 2.5 years with NO late or missed payments. Latest statement took my interest rate to a whopping 35.08%. Called them and basically the state of UTAH has no interest cap. I didn't do anything wrong...credit is excellent and this is my "reward" from Advanta? DO NOT DEAL with this company or any other credit card company based in Utah. Crooks, plain and simple!

Complaint: I guess I am in the same boat, I got trap with the same scam Advanta is a crook company looking to explode their client. My interest rate with not reason was raise to 25%. Maybe is time to take this issues directly to Washington and have our congressman look into this.The other practice done by many other company,one in particular is their late fees practice. They will hold statements to be mail after being printed so you will receive it 5-8 days before their given dead line which banks are making it to be less than the normal 30 days cycle. This is being done cause banks are making million! s every month on just late charges. BP gas cards are well known for this practice. Beware!

Complaint: Got the advanta card with 2.99% balance transfer life of the loan offer. Always send my payments 5-7 days ahead of due date. This month they raised by interest because they said they received my payment 3 days late. Talked to supervisors and they say that can't change it. I sent it regular mail and they usually process and deposit my checks within 4 days. This time it was 9. How can I prove I mailed it on time? This company sucks!!! I have never dealt with a worse customer service credit card company. Don't use them. Sign me up the the lawsuit that I am sure is soon to come.

Complaint: always paid my full balance and once when i did not they back charged me for the interest during the "grace period". I told them to close my account when they would not give me a credit for it. they did and raised my rate to over 35%. i paid it off immediately but they did had already had over $100 interest charged to me. they also liked to make sunday your payment date (they aren't open on sunday). bad company, bad ethics. thank the gov for there bankrupcty reforms...these card companies can charge loan shark rates... what a joke. american express is still the best card going...

Complaint: BUYER BEWARE! As a card holder since 2006, I had a 7.99% rate until my last statement showed 30.08% !!!! I called and was fed the same BS. They told me my rate changed due to my credit score, payment history and the economy! My credit has not changed. If anything, it improved. I have never had a late payment with Advanta. They said I received a letter showing the rate increase and had a chance to opt out. I never received this letter. After getting off phone with Advanta, I quickly transferred my balance to another credit company. I will never do business with Advanta again.

Complaint: 0% TRANSFER OF ABOUT $14,000 MADE IN 5/07. CALLED IN JUNE TO PHONE IN A PYMT - NO STATEMENT RECEIVED AND WAS MARKED LATE 7 DAYS. PAID BY PHONE IN 9/07 ON DUE DATE AND WAS MARKED ONE DAY LATE. THEY RAISED RATE TO 29.99% WITH THE NOXT STATEMENT. I PAID BALANE IN FULL. THEY CALLED ME IN OCTOBER TELLING ME THAT I HAD OVERPAID BY 141.00 AND RATHER THAN HAVE ME CLOSE THE ACCOUNT, THEY APOLOGIZED AND OFFER ME (AGAIN) A 0% TRANSFER. I TRANSFERRED 14,000 AND THEY CHARGED ME INTEREST IN NOV AND DEC AT 29.99% WHICH THERY CANCELED AND APOLOGIZED TO ME IN WRITING SAY THAT THE ACCOUNT HAS A! 0% RATE. IN JANUARY, THEY AGAIN CHARGED INTEREST, BUT AT 18.99% THEY REFUSED TO CHANGED IT SAYING THAT THE LETTER THAT I HAD FROM THEM WAS A MISTAKE AND THAT EVERYONE THAT I SPOKE TO HAD GIVEN ME MISINFORMATION. THEY APOLOGIZED BUT WOULD NOT CHANGE ANYTHING. I CALLED THEIR ATTORNEY IN HORSHAM (RICHARD NELSON) TO GET THE MATTER STRAIGHTENED OUT - WASTE OF TIME. I AM SUING THEM IN PA. MY ATTORNEY IS SCOTT FELDMAN IN DOYLESTOWN, PA AND HE IS VERY TRUSTWORTHY IF YOU WANT TO GO THIS ROUTE.

Complaint: we have an advanta business card for our small business. out of the clear blue, advanta decided that we were a risk, and raised our interest rate to 22 percent. we have never been late, never missed a payment. I call them and they said we have to much credit out there and now we are a risk. I asked them how raising our rate so high will help us pay them if we are a risk? they would not answer. they are the worst credit card. please do not get trapped into their attractive rates, they can change them at will.

Complaint: Had the business card for 3 yrs, with no late pays, always paid 3x the minimum. Get statment today saying showing increase rate from 6.9 to 25.3 Call them and they say they mailed a letter (phantom letter) and that my risk had been reasigned. I told them that I can see they are the ones in trouble, and why don't they just call the note, instead of creating a illusion that I am the risk.. These guys are sad, and I will be happy to pay them off in full and walk. Good ridence.

Complaint: Can any one help? Never being late on my payments, to the contrary my payment werre always on time and double the requiered payment, and with no explanation my interest went from 7.9% to a 28.+%. On the mean while their site still suggesting the 7.9% I called trying to get an explanation and was given none. I was informed that the interest could change any time. A letter had been sent to me telling me that the interest was going up. I was told that my payment history has no bearing on their decision to change my interest. This is a bank thievery and have to be stopped. There has to be something that we can do. e-mail: gravale@yahoo.com Let's all send a copy of this page to the governor of Florida, the President, the credit bureau, the state proffesional license departemnt and see what happen. I am paying this up and will let everyone about this thievery. I would like to expose advanta for this throught the media so everyone knows how they business practices.

Complaint: I have great regret in having their CC for the following reasons: 1 - On my first statement, I noticed a Late Fee of $39.00. I called and asked them to remove this charge as a First Time Courtesy. They Refused. I know for a fact that w/my other Cards, they cheerfully agreed and removed, as One Time Courtesy. Advanta Card will not do that. 2 - I also noticed that they apply "foreign Transaction" fee of 3% on charges I have made while in Canada. They'll not remove that either. Claiming that this policy is spelled out in their Card Policy. How many people you know read this Booklet? I have three other Cards, None charge this Foreign Fee!!! I feel this Company is out to reap-off the small consumer and take advantage in every turn!!! I closed my Advanta Card for their Draconian and Consumer Hostile policies. I really hope they go out of business! Jacob

Complaint: PLEASE NOTE......This is my 2nd post. I want you all to know, we have discussed this matter with everyone here in Indiana. We are now filing the complaint with the Federal Trade Commision. We have been told there are already several complaints against Advanta and they are now gathering all complaints to file appropriate action. EVERYONE NEEDS TO DO THE SAME.....FILE YOUR COMPLAINT ONLINE WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SMALL BUSINESS IS WHAT STARTED THIS COUNRTY, AND WE ARE STILL STRIVING TO DO THE SAME, WE AS SMALL BUSINESS'S ARE BEING THROWN UNDER THE BUS....WE REFUSE TO GET RUN OVER, NOW IS THE TIME TO STAND TOGETHER.

Complaint: This is definitely the worst credit card company I have ever dealt with. We never paid late, always paid more than the minimum amount due, but all of a sudden, they increased our APR for no reason and couldn't even explain why they did that when we called to inquire about it. Worse was that they didn't even bother to send a notice letter or email and just apologized said they missed us. We were told that if we opted out, they would change the rate back to 7.99%. So, we did. It turned out even that promise didn't last. Two months later, they increased our rate again with no valid reason. Don't bother to do business with Advanta. They are nothing but a bunch of frauds and liars. They might offer you a low interest rate to lure you in but later on change it to a ridiculously high one.

Complaint: Beware...Do not use Advanta Bank. They are extortionists and have no integrity. As a small business owner, I opted for the 7.99% fixed rate card as economically it seemed reasonable. I used the account for a couple years and was generally satisifed. I always paid my bills on time and generally over the minimum amounts. My credit score is 771. I recieved a letter stating that they were raising my interest rate to 35%. The letter indicated I could opt out and they would deactivate my card. I cut the card up and sent the letter. When I called, I was told my increased rate occurred because my business was a credit risk. I have no negetive credit and no record of them checking my credit. I asked to speak to a manager and was transferred to Chelli. Chelli indicated they had recieved my letter but there was no statement in about opting out. I read the copy I kept to her and faxed her a copy of the original. She indicated they would deactivate my card and lock me in at 17.9%, and make the appropriate adjustments on my account as well as extend the adjustments to reflect the lower rate. (Better than 35% I thought). I would have to make my new minimum payement which was twice what it used to be. I scrambled and made the payment. They did nothing they said they were going to do. The next month's minimum payment includes mysterious finance charges that are non- specified and larger than the first. I feel they have violated their contract with me. I am seeking seeking legal advice. I refuse to pay more and will initiate bankruptcy to avoid giving them another dime.

Complaint: Please contact me if your are interested in joining our class action lawsuit against Advanta that attorney Alan Finkel in Commack, NY is working on. He is trying to recruit class action members at this point and is working on the beginnings of a lawsuit. You can reach me at dec458@msn.com (D Carpenter in Southeast Tennessee) or you can reach Alan at cloudcowboy@aol.com. Advanta did the exact same ripoff items to us. They jacked my interest rate to 30.05% after making 1 late payment in 10 years late by 2 days. They even refunded the late fee just before they screwed me over. I have a 749 FICO and excellent credit. Thanks! Doug

Complaint: My rate was increased from 7.99% to 25.5% without any specific reason. Advanda has betrayed their customers. I would like to know if a group of customer can sue this deceptive credit card company. This is a case of outrageous, deceptive business practices.

Complaint: I just received my small business credit card statement and was astonished to see that Advanta had raised my interest rate from 7.9% to more than 26%. I realize that card companies have the right to raise rates whenever they want, but I never thought it would happen to me, as I have excellent credit and have never been late or over-limit on any card. I think the company is doing this because they know that in the tight-credit environment, many people will not have the option of transferring their balances to another card, or paying them off. Their only explanation to me was that they h! ad sent me a letter informing me of the increase. When I looked through my mail, I found the notice--not a personal letter, and nothing that had my name on it-- a folded notice of the type typically sent out to keep people up-to-date on the card agreements. The new "rate" was hidden in the 15th paragraph of this notice. This is a terrible company. That kind of rate increase--FOR NO REASON-- is enough to put many small businesses out of business, and that is not what America needs right now.

Complaint: I have been a customer of Advanta since October 2002. I have used their 6.9% promos regularly, but had a balance of purchases non-promo. They were hovering around 10% until September 15, 2008 and I got my statement October 14th with a 31.3% interest rate on the non-promo dollars used. This is a 20 point shift!!! I was in shock and when I called a "Account Manager" from India (literally, I was talking to a woman from India) said my company looked like I could be risky and increased my rate. I have paid them on time, never gone over my limit, have paid more than require! d every month and have done business with them for more than 6 years! The "Account Manager" assure me that she was the last word and I held until she gave me the next level up for 30 minutes and she never connected me. This is predator lending in my opinion. No wonder banks are needing bailed out.

Complaint: These people are scam artists and their supervisors are jerks (attention Travis Dunson)....Our company did a balance transfer a little over a year ago to a credit card with Advanta. We locked in a 2.99% APR rate for the life of the balance. Our relations with Advanta were so good the first year, we decided to to a smaller transfer of $3,500 a few months later. We didnt get the 2.99% rate, but they did lock us down for 9.99%. We accepted and transferred the money. A few months later, we received a statement with a 20.08% finance charge. We were outraged. We were never informed of this rate increase (ha! d we known we would have cancelled the card immediately). We called Advanta immediately and were treated with such disrepect by the supervisor of the Salt Lake City, Utah offer, my boss was blue in the face. Travis Dunson was condesending and completely rude to my boss stating "We dont have to have a reason to raise your rate" I was OUTRAGED to say the least. Not only would he not give us a specific reason as to why our rate went up, stating they had the right to do it without informing us. Upon further talks in a second conversation (With a very wonderful and plesant woman named Linda from the PA office) we were given the name of Travis (who would not give us his last name) and were told in more detail that a letter was sent 8/4/08 (we never received it and Im the most OCD person when it comes to mail- color coded filed, calendar of payments, etc...) they stated that due to the economic crisis they were raising rates in fear of deliquent payments (wouldnt you want to lower them then so people can pay more to you?) I would not recommend doing business with Advanta EVER. They have no respect for their customers and I think actually enjoy listening to people hurting from this crisis (Travis was certainly amused). Advanta is the worst company to do business for your small business. Based on the complaints I have seen on this website, I wish I would have read this site before we applied for it...

Complaint: jack the interest rate without notification, close the account and trying to pay off remaning balance and they have the nerve to raise the rate again. Never missed a payment never late. a

Complaint: Please, anyone who has had bad experiences concerning Advanta Bank, send an email to cloudcowboy@aol.com, he is an attorney who has agreed to take this on as a class-action suit against Advanta. All you will need to do is email him, his name is Alan. He also had a web site at nymediation.com, his office number is 631 462 3100-don't let these greedy you-know-whats get away with this, with the economy the way it is, NOW is the best time to send a message to politicans and banks about what these wild-west credit practices do to small businesses. Just send a brief email, subj! ect 'Advanta"-thanks

Complaint: Have had a small business card with Advanta for over two years. Never missed a payment or was late, and always payed at least double the minimum. They kept raising my credit limit even though I never used it. Then this month I noticed that the interest rate had gone from 7.99 to 20.08 percent. I called them and got the same story as most....they had sent a notice in August, it might not have anything to do with my FICO score, wait and see if it drops back down, etc., etc. Nope, I'm paying this one off and while I don't plan to close the account I for sure will not use it again except in dire emergency.

Complaint: I bought the low interest rate scam hook line and sinker. I ran the card up close to the limit of $44,000. I always paid on time and still saw my rate climb to 34.99%!!! I have made several calls and talked to a person who assured me that she was as high up as I could go. There is nothing she can do about it. My threats of defaulting on this loan if they didn't lower the rate didn't matter to them. She said "You do what is best for your company and we'll do what is best for ours" I hope the heads of this company burn in Hell!!

Complaint: I filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission & contacted my company lawyer to search out firms for a class-action lawsuit. Advanta raised my rate from 6.99% to 23.99% despite excellent credit and no late payments -- I paid off the account in full and walked away from those crooks -- America doesn't need corporate shit like Advanta.

Complaint: Same story as everone else. 4.99% for the life of the balance transfer. I paid early every month. Now after twoo years they jumped to 24.99%. No reason give, they just said they could. Thankfully I could pay it off. This type of breach of promise could force bankruptcy on me and many others.

Complaint: DON'T PAY YOUR BOGUS BILL! MAKE THESE CROOKS GO OUT OF BUSINESS! They have already dinged your credit already and won't change anything--so just quit trying to deal with them! They are notorious for adding late charges (when you can PROVE YOU PAID ON TIME, as in my case) and changing the interest rate for no reason!! Please send a complaint to the Attorney General of Utah, as I did!! Don't send good money after bad; they will only keep adding bogus charges....you cannot deal with idiots!!! Also, good luck trying to understand their "customer service reps"---sounds like they're in some third world country in a tent. Learn a lesson from these crooks---try to pay off all your credit cards (except this one; remember, we're trying to close them down)...and never be a slave to the lender again. Good luck! Don't get mad--get even!!

Complaint: DO NOT APPLY FOR AN ADVANTA CARD Raised my rate for NO REASON. Said they sent notice. After complaining they said we were a higher risk. This is BAIT and SWITCH at it's best (OR WORST). I thought stuff like this was illegal?

Complaint: I have a similiar story to the other thousandS OF complaints against Advanta. I Applied 2 years ago and was approved for a 7.99 rate after a 12 month no interest period. I never saw the 7.99 and instantly it was raised to 9.99 which it remained till August of this year where they jacked it up to 21.67%. I called their customer service and within 5 minutes the manager was able to reduce it to 14% which is still outrangeous. Their reasoning was that they have a third party that makes soft credit pulls and concludes risk factors of their clients. Basically, they can create any reason under ! the sun to hurt their current customers. My company has a low risk rating with bradstreet and dunn with an 80 paydex. This is coupled with excellent personal credit. Advanta's profits are down and they are making bad decisions hurting their good paying customers to line their corporate pockets. I intend to pay it off (only own 5k on 24k limit) and not use it until the government passes a law protecting consumers from this type of abuse. If advanta thinks their bottom line is hurting now, wait till an abundance of people like me stop using them from the beginning, they have not kept their word. BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY

Complaint: After reading the other complaints here I must sound like a broken record! We had a business card for 3 years, were never late on a payment, paid it off most months but once we came within (under) a few hundred dollars of our credit limit they jacked us from 7.99% to 26.31%!. They said they sent us a notice but of course we never received it and I have requested it 2 more times and have yet to see it. Apparently it gives you the option to opt out of the change. They also said that we were "a higher credit risk" all of sudden. We have a credit score of 780 points! This is what it says in the fine print of the Adva! nta Business Card Agreement (section 12): AMENDMENT/CHANGE IN TERMS: We have the right to change, amend, add and delete terms of this Agreement, including (without limitation) changes that affect existing provisions on balances, rates, fees and/or finance charges as well as changes that add new provisions not directly related to previously-existing provisions, upon written notice as required by applicable law. We may change any of your Account terms (including rates) at any time for any reason. In particular, that means your Account rates (including any introductory or promotional rates) are not guaranteed; any rates may be changed, fixed rates may change to variable rates, and variable rates may change to fixd rates. Any changed, amended or added fee, charge interest rate, finance charge or minimum payment amount (whether increased or decreased) or other Account term or Agreement provision shall be effective as to both the outstanding Account balance and future transactions unless our notice specifically provides o! therwise. We consider, and you agree, that you have accepted any change if you keep or use the Card or the Account after the effective date of the change. What an absolute SCAMMMMMM!!!!!!!!! They have complete and total legal control to get away with this crap! Obviously we as consumers and voters need to speak to our state legislators and make it clear that this is not acceptable! I hope everyone who reads this takes it very seriously. I'm sure all the other credit card agreements probably say the same thing so BEWARE!! Anyway, I paid off my Advanta and closed my account.

Complaint:
I read the notice they sent about a raise of interest rate, and opted out, sent them a letter stating so, and never used their card again. I shredded it. I would continue under the old agreement and pay it off. The next bill came with an interest rate of 36.31%. I called, and they said they never got the letter. Our office mails thousands of letters each year,and none get lost. Some come back because the person moved and left no forwarding address, but the letter I sent them never came back. They refused to budge. I never missed a payment, or was late on one. They will eat the amount owed. I! have very little to lose by filing for bankruptcy. I can reaffirm the other cards I have, keep my house, because of the devaluation, and they can't take a way the tools I make a living with. I don't need a fancy car, just transportation, and my life won't change at all. They can stuff their interest rate where the sun doesn't shine. Take action against these thieves!!! We can run them out of business.

Complaint: First, it is your your duty to report this FDIC. Please do it! Advanta Bank is regulated by FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Here is the website link: https://www2.fdic.gov This company is on fraud list for many customers on many of these web sites. Advanta Bank should not see another penny from most of these customers. This company is going out of business looking at the stock price of $2.00 per share. Market valuation of this company in today's market is about $32 million. They have good reason not to pay penny to Advanta CEO Dennis Alter. Hopefully, FDIC will knock on door at Advanta soon. Let's pray very soon!

Complaint: WHAT A CRIMINAL CREDIT CARD COMPANY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE ON A PAYMENT AND I USED ONE OF THE CONVENIENCE CHECKS MAILED TO OUR BUSINESS. TO MY AMAZEMENT, THE VERY MONTH THE CHECK WAS POSTED THEY ALSO TURNED AROUND AND RAISED MY 12.9 % RATE ON REGULAR PURCHASES TO A WHOPPING 31%. I THINK THESE PEOPLE ARE DISPICABLE AND SHOULD HAVE THEIR BANKING LICENSE REVOKED. I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN AND I HOPE EVERYONE WHO MAY THINK ABOUT DOING SO WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP THEMSELVES FROM DOING SO. THEY ARE PREDIATORS OF THE WORST KIND. EVERYONE NEEDS! TO WRITE TO THEIR CONGRESSMEN AND COMPLAIN VERY LOUDLY TO GET THIS CREDIT CARD INDUSTRY UNDER SOME VERY STRONG RULES AND GREAT PENALTIES FOR ANY VIOLATIONS OF THESE NEW LAWS. HOORAY !!! FOR ALL WHO HAVE SPOKEN OUT AGAINST THEM. EVERYONE SHOULD REFUSE TO PAY THEIR BILLS TO THEM AND LET THEM TAKE A BIG HIT THEY CANNOT RECOVER FROM. EVERYTIME I EVEN SEE OR HEAR THEIR NAME I WANT TO THROW UP!!!!!!!!!

Complaint: RE: Deceptive fees...raising my percentage rate from 7.99 % to almost 30%! without my knowledge. There was one late fee which I spoke to their customer service person about back in June of 08. I did not receive the bill until less then 2 weeks before it was due. She said told me she would remove my late fee of $35. She also told me this would not go against my credit then turned around and changed my rate to 29% causing me a fee of hundreds of dollars per month since June of 08 which I just discovered on my October statement. I had to call them twice on the late fee because they p! ut it on then took it off then put it back on again making it look like I have more then one! This begin 6/08 and I did not discover this until my October Statement when I saw the finance charge was almost $300! I feel I should be reimbursed the fees charged from my percentage of 7.99% from June 01 2008. I have since closed this account and have a balance transfer in progress.

Complaint: I am a small business with a decent credit score. Never missed a payment or made less than minimum on any credit card. Had balance transfer with Advanta at 3.99 percent interest. Interest was supposed to go back to purchase interest rate (at that time 15.99%) after 18 months. The 18 months was up this month. I just received my new bill. The balance transfer card rate is now 35%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My interest rate went from $54.00 a month to $444.00 When I called they said that because of my debt to income ratio that was the only interest that I could get. Even though I had just received another balance transfer offer in the mail offering 7.99% for the life of the transfer. I will file bankruptcy before I pay this loanshark company. I must mention that none of my other business or personal credit card companys have done this. I have written letters to both presidential campaigns, my senators, and state representative along with a letter to Advanta stating my position as well. My biggest concern here is not even me any more it is everyone else that is being financially abused by this company. If everyone just stops paying this credit card company they would be forced to rethink their policies. I will start blogging about this company on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and every other public form I can find. I will also provide a link to this site so thousands more people will find it and be warned.

Complaint: Advanta has now raised my apr from 7.99% to 9.99% to 10.08% to 11.31% in the space of four months. It does no good to talk with the reps ( in India). And if you call and ask for a supervisor it's the same. I have a high credit score, no other c/c debt, no car payments, no mortgage... so what's their problem. Anyone that has STARTED a class action lawsuit please conatct me. And if you can get the email address, phone number or home address of Chad C. Blue, he is the Chief Credit Officer for Advanta bank corp:, I would appreciate it. I think his office, ( I think it is ! in Salt Lake city, Advavnta Corporate office) should be flooded with mail and complaints.

Complaint: Advanta is screwing everyone. The government is bailing them out, and the prime rate is 1%. We can lay down and take it, or show some guts, and break them. If enough of us refuse to bow to their usurious fees, and stop paying anything, they won't have enough money to afford the legal fees to attack us all. But it has to be a mass revolt against this unfair attitude. They are going to ruin your credit as it is. Keep your other card paid up. Let's tell Advanta that we won't stand for this. We can turn the tables on them, and force them to remove anything negative on the credit reports, ! and at the same time serve notice that we won't be extorted by a greedy bank. It will take enough people joining together to do it, not just a handful. Don't just take this rape. Write to your legislature to stop any bailout for them. Don't pay them. Lets force them to negotiate with us for a change.

Complaint: They just raised my company credit card interest from 18% to 34% for a reason. We always pay on time (they admitted that) and always pay much more than the minimum (they admitted that, too). When pressed for a reason for the ultra high interest rate, they said it was "based on various factors which are priorietary". They even admitted my company had an "A" credit rating but because of those other "factors" they feel we can not pay our credit card so the interest is raised to 34%. I couldn't get any real reason from them until I asked if it was because their bank was failing, they had lots of bad debt so I, as a good customer has to make up for it and they says "yes, that's the reason". So I said "Gee, I'm glad this conversation is being recorded. The news would be glad to learn that" to which the person replied "i retract my last statement. Since it is being recorded, I can retract anything I say". So we paid off the balance today and destroyed all cards from Advanta.

Complaint: The Advanta Business Card lowered my rate to 7.9% in March, 2008, encouraging me to use it more. I own a seasonal business that gets most income in the fall and winter, so I charge until then. In October, with my balance about $3000 below the limit, Advanta suddenly raise my rate to 21.9%. THEY DID THIS WITH A LETTER ON THE BACK OF MORE CONVENIENCE CHECKS! I complained to no avail, then it took them three months to close my account and lower the rate back to 7.9%. The last thing they did was close my on-line account just before a payment was scheduled so it didn't get posted, and now they've charged late fees. WHAT A SCREWED UP COMPANY!

Complaint: October 28, 2008, Advanta Bank Corporation raised our credit card rate from 11.49% to 31.31% based solely on a change in their lending criteria. I will be filing a complaint with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, the Federal Reserve and the Texas Attorney General.

Complaint: I just recently starting running a balance on my card for the last 2 to 3 months. I started out with a 7.99 % APR. I carried $ 6,500.00 last month and I noticed my APR went up to 8.08 %. No big deal. Right? Well, this month I look at my statement and it went up to 26.6 %. WHAT! I have never once been late and until recently I paid my balance in full. I am a small single member LLC just starting out. I can't afford $ 200.00 a month interest. Something about all this has to be illegal (I know for sure it's unethical). If a class action gets started, someone please let me know.

Complaint: Just found out my interest is over 36%!!! We use this card for business so it varies at times. The little amount I have on it looks like a car payment in interest charges.I am done with Advanta and need info on how to file a complaint. Also need info on a better business card. My e-mail is miami4ebay@aol.com

Complaint: Do not apply for this card. I did and the interest rate was to be 5.99 until the balance was paid off. I was always on time. Then I noticed they raised it to 16% without any notification. When I called and spoke with the so called manager, I was told that they do not need to notify if they raise the interest. I transfered the balance. A month later I received a promotion of 3.99%. Six months later they said they closed my account. I have excellent credit, never been treated this way, and would never advise anyone of applying for their card. They are very unprofessional.

Complaint: They jammed me in July to 34.9%, only after they saw I was theirs with a computer equipment purchase. When my min. payment doubled (had just paid $500 instead of a min. $50 payment the month before), I knew that would eventually break me. It did, and I have gone into default with these crooks. Here is what to expect with 1 missed pymt, and how I am handling it. They will bombard with scary letters and calls. When they call, I answer. I talk continually, asking constant questions. Do you live in India? Do you wear jewelry on your face? how is the weather where you are at? Have you seen the website badcreditcards.com. Do you know how many people are complaining about your co? Then I talk about the bailout - are you getting a bailout like the other banks? I was told you were taking my tax-payer $ to pay your bills. Are you insolvent? That is what my govt. told me (actually this looks to be coming true) .. I was able to keep them on the phone for 10 minutes while they tried all their "are you just a scumbag?" stuff. This action on my part is no different then what they did when they bait and switched me from 4.9% to 34.9% within 2 months. Criminal. I know people that are settling credit cards with BOA and other bailed-out banks for $.20 on the dollar (on balances of $45K). I fully intend to pay my bill to these criminals, at the rate I agreed to in the beginning. Good luck out there. Don't let them scare you. A lot of people will have a bad credit ding in the next few years. If you can't beat them at their game, don't answer the phone. They are paid on commish based on their phone time. Take all of it you can! Filibuster or don't answer. Fight on!

Complaint: When I received this card I was impressed with their rate of 7.99%. Since then I have used the card frequently, paid more than the minimum each time, and have never been late on a payment. My personal credit rating is also around 750. Despite all this they still jacked my rate up to 35% with no warning. When I realized what had happened I called them to complain and to have them lower the card so that I could afford to pay them. They said their wasn't a lower interest rate available. So, I called them about three times a day for a few weeks. Everyday I got the same thing from them. I begged them, telling them that I wanted to pay them back, but couldn't unless they were able to work with them. They still refused. So, I stopped paying. I've honestly given up caring about my credit rating, and have not a single asset to my name. Since my payments have stopped I have received about three calls a day, which I expected. However, they are now offering the lowest interest rates I could have ever imagined. It is despicable that this company will offer their lowest rates to people that will not pay their card, while their loyal honest customers continue to be raped by unregulated corporate practices. Despite their all too generous, but too late offerings, I am still refusing to pay. May they fall into the depths of bankruptcy this country has created for itself.

Complaint: THE WORST BANK EVER!!! Advanta violates consumer protection laws in the State of California. Fails to disclose the true interest rates, fails to negotiate settlement of their outrages interest charges and fees. This bank needs to be investigated by the Feds for unfair charges.

Complaint: So, most of us in the same boat, what we can do about it?

Complaint: DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS CARD! If you don't want to really get screwed than don't get this credit card no matter what they offer. I have finelly got a chance to pay them off last month and they still are screwing me. This is why American's are going broke, because of companies like Advanta, not because of the housing market or because their borrowing to much. Advanta can and will raise your interest rates for no reason and raise them so high that you will never be able to pay them off. What I can't understand is why a company like this is not investigated either by the news media or the gover! ment. You would think with this many complaints against one company that someone out there would give a shit. The only advice I can give is to let everyone you know how this company operates. Tell all your family, friends, and media.

Complaint: Wow, We need to start a class action against Advanta. I was also scammed by Advanta. I would like people to know about the fraudulent actions taken by this card. We opened an account with 7.99 percent interest rate. They advertised and marketed transferring balances, so we did. After less than 4 months our rate increased to 22% stating we maintained a high balance. Of course we did, we transferred a balance to take advantage of a lower rate based on their requests to do so. Luckily we were able to pay off the balance and cancel the card. Others may not be so lucky and get trapped in their unfai! r business practices. I would like the public to know NEVER open an account with Advanta.

Complaint: My current interest rate with Advanta has risen over the years and is currently over 37%. I have not missed a payment and have clean payment history with them.I recently requested a reduction in interest rate and according to Advanta they were unable to reduce interet rate due to other credit information they had received on me. I even asked if I could close the account (reduce their exposure) and was told the interest rate would remain the same. Bottom line according to Advanta there are no options other than pay the 37% interest which makes paying down on balance extremely difficult.

Complaint: I paid my bills on time and started with no interest payments on a transfer balance. I did pay a low interest rate on new purchases. After a while I got a bill with an interest charge at the rate of 26%. I was shocked because I was paying under 8% only on new purchases. I had believed that I had at least 12 months on a transfer balance interest free of interested. I was only given 9 months and not 12. I cancealed my card and paid off my balance as soon as possible once the interest rate was raised. Not everyone is able to pay off thier card as quickly as I did and I feel sorry for thoes who are trapped by the unexpected, outrageous rates! I would not recommend Advanta to anyone.

Complaint: I PREVIOUSLY SENT IN COMPLAINT #147. I SUED THEM AND HIRED AN ATTORNEY. THE CASE WAS TO BE HELD ON 11/21 IN DISTRICT COURT IN PA. THE ATTORNEY WITH ADVANTA CALLED MY ATTORNEY AND ADVANTA REFUNDED ME 2,056.00 IN EXCESS INTEREST CHARGES PLUS ATTORNEY FEES OF 782.00. YOU CAN SUE THEM AND WIN. ADVANTA THEN CLOSED THE ACCOUNT AND RAISED MY INTEREST RATE TO 21% ON THE REMAINING BALANCE. I INTEND TO PAY THEM THE BALANCE OF ABOUT 8,500 ASAP. THANKS AND GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO HAS PROBLEMS WITH ADVANTA.

Complaint: They are breaking the law by constatly using a call center in India and having their employees in India use US names, like one called me Mary another was name Shirley Jones...IN INDIA do they not realize they are required by law to state their legal name.

Complaint: As everone said, i will repeat. They are crooks. They jacked my interest rate up to 29% from 7.9. I never missed a payment, never late, perfect customer. They told me it was because of the economy. It seems like we all got taken advantage of and they are getting rich off of us. Just tell everyone you meet everyday so they do not get any others. Hopefully they will burn in hell. Maybe I will be run into the owner on the street one day.

Complaint: I had balance transfer checks good for 1 year at 5% interest rate. I never paid Advanta late, nor did i ever get close to the limit line. Nor have I paid any other credit card late nor have more than 50% balance on any credit card. Yet they raised my rate to 25% on my low rate balance only a few months into the offer. I called and they said it was based on card usage and analysis of my credit report. Do no trust them with any balance. Also be sure to support Credit Card Holders Bill of Rights (H.R. 5244) that was passed by the House and is awaiting senate discussion.

Complaint: One more for Advanta. Yes I did make two late payments. One was 2 days late & the other 3 days late. Rate went from 7.99% to 22.59%. Asked customer service why, and the response was that a recent evaluation determined that I had become a credit risk. They would not be specific, but noted the late payments. I guess their $39.00 per late payment fee wasn't enough. Lets just charge 22.59% on the entire balance. I work to keep my credit scores up (771,774,780). Not the best, but better than 85% of US consumers. They don't care about that. Just that I made the late payments. I cut up the card, applied for a new credit card, and transferred the balance in less than 15 minutes. Less time than I spent on hold with Advanta. What a liberating experience. They just lost a $5,000 per month customer.

Complaint: Same as all the rest - 7.99 then upto 27% and could not even give a reason why. Paid off balance and move on. You need to really watch you statements because they say then send a letter but we never go one. If you talk to a rep named NATE you need to ask for someone else - he is rude and clueless

Complaint: Well, I guess with over 50% OF COMPLAINTS comming from Advanta customers it's only a matter of time before ALL of Advanta's customers will end up at this web site. I only had a Advanta card for 6 months and this last bill they raised my rate from 7.99% to 26% with no late payments or going over my limit. I hope to hear about this company failing soon!!!

Complaint: Advanta sends you a card with a high limit and really low rates. Do not be fooled by them. As soon as you use one of those checks they find a reason to raise your rate. Mine went to 37%. Never late. Never notified. The Ceo and Founder of the company is an old decrepit bastard named Dennis Alter. He is the corrupt force behind this bait and switch scam operation. He is yet another banker with Zero Integrity. And he's great friends with lots of crooked politicians like Joe Biden. They love the fact that Dennis gives them millions so they don't change the bait and switch scam he has perfected.

Complaint: I got this busines Advanta account about two years ago. The zero into rate expired and I stuck with the card anyway while the rate slowly slipped up to around 13%. 6 weeks ago, the interest went to over 27%. No late payments, no warning. I called and she told me that is the standard rate and there is nothing they could do about it. That day, I got on line and found a balance transfer offer with Citi. The day I got a notice from Advanta that all but .37 of the balance had been paid by the balance transfer, I paid the rest off on line. Yeah, a .37 payment. I got an email confirmat! ion on November 22 that my balance was now $0. Today, I got a notice from Advanta that my balance was now up to $36.27. "fees and finance charges". I'm finished dealing with these jerks. I paid this bill on line within 10 minutes of getting the notice. It's like swatting flies. Never again will I ever have an Advanta card. In my experience, American Express has been the best.

Complaint: I accepted a balance transfer offer on a business card and set it up for automatic payments that were well over the minimum due. Rate was 0% for 10 months then 7.99% . After around 4 months at 7.99 the rate was raised to 29% . I had no late payments with them or any other bank, no change in my FICO. They simply did a bait and switch. I dumped them immediately so they never got any 30% money from me and ended up losing a solid long term customer. It left me wondering how they can afford to do that. I look forward to seeing them go belly up during this crisis ! or at least watching an executive sweat in front of a congressional committee.

Complaint: My husband and I own a small business which has 2 employees, him and me. We have had a small business credit card with Advanta for many years and currently have about $7500 balance of which I pay between $300-$500/month. Since September 2008, they have raised the interest rate, starting with 10.08% in September, 11.31% in October and imagine my surprise when I opened my statement today and see the interest at 27.18%. We are like everyone else, we are not making the kind of money we did before, we are in the construction trade so things have really tightened up. However, we have enough comin! g in to pay our bills, we have always paid our bills, we have never been late, we have FICO scores in the mid 900's and we are extremely responsible with our credit. When I called and spoke to a representative, first of all, I could not understand her as she was from India or somewhere. She told me Advanta re-evaluates their customers frequently and it appears to them that we COULD default on this loan so they decided they needed to raise the interest. What good does that do except make it harder for us to pay off the balance? Of the $300 I paid them last month, I was expecting about $70.00 to be towards interest, instead, my statement says they took $170.00 of my $300 towards interest. And we, the taxpayer, are bailing these people out. They are the ones who are irresponsible with how they handle their money. I have written to the Governor of Arizona, Senator John McCain, The attorney General of Arizona and every email address I could find at CNN to expose these criminals. Thanks for letting me vent

Complaint: Wow, It's unbelievable how many people have been screwed over by this God forsaken company. I felt like I was the only one that had been singled out and screwed over. I hate that so many of you have had the same bad experience but now I feel some kind of kindred spirit with you all. All I can really say is ditto to the last 180 someodd complaints. Each and everyone of you have had the combination or some simblance of what I have been going through....from the Advanta deception department to the condecending customer service representatives to the "Mr. Potter" CEO aka Greedy SOB! Oh not to mention the "I understand what! your going through!" guy. He even had the audacity to suggest I go to somekind of credit counciling to sort their mess out! Everytime I turned around the rules where changing as fast as the interest rate. I went from 6.9% for the life of the transfer to a staggering 37.5%! This better not be a company that the Federal Government needs to bail out next week or I might just go postal!!! I will NEVER use, recommend or open anything with the word ADVANTA on it again. I believe in carma and someday this companies managers, CEO's etc., will have a special place in hell!!!

Complaint: Advanta offered me a zero % balance transfer for 15 months. I transferred about $15000 in July 2008. I paid of about 5000 within 4 months and was never late in making payments. I have credit scores of 750 and above. On 11/20/2008 I got a letter saying that they will be raising my interest rate to 30 % beginning 12/02/2008 . I called their customer service two times; the customer service reps told me that my interest will not be raised until the 15 month time period passes. I don’t believe them, because it says clearly in the letter that the interest rate will go up to 30 %.

Complaint: For the past few months I have been battling Advanta Bank. I own a small business and used their line of credit/business credit card for supplies purchased. Unbeknownst to me, they raised the rates from 9.9% to 37.81% in the past month. I owe them $ 15 K, have never- ever been late on any payment and I have never just paid the minimum. Last month's payment was $ 3,100.00 ! Talking to them is equivalent to hitting your head against a brick wall, the call center in India has no clue and the "local" supervisors are rude & unwilling to assist in any shape, way or mann! er. I cannot believe that so many of us are going through this, can anyone say : CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ? What does it take to shut them down & make sure that they, of all Banks FAIL ! I'm desperate ! Barbara

Complaint: Had my business Advanta card for over two years @7.99%. Never missed a payment, never paid less than ten times the minimum and had my balance increased three times. My September bill came in and I really didn't pay much attention to it until I received my October bill. Interest went to 25% in Sept., 26% in Oct., and to 28% in Nov. In October I called "CUSTOMER SERVICE"! was kept on the phone for over 45 minutes and was denied an answer for the rate increase. I was told I was notified in August and given an OPT out which meant cancel the card and the rate would revert to the original 7.99% but of course I never received it so it was my loss. I sent the president of Advanta a letter telling him what I thought of their business practices and I implied that if I did not get some assistance from him that were other avenues opened to me. I was implying a class action suit. I received a letter telling me as a "Courtesy" they would allow me to "Opt Out" if I did so by Nov. 10. I faxed a cancellation and mu account was credited over $1,200 in overcharged interest.

Complaint: I was running a small business for a couple of years without a seller's permit. Not long after I got a DBA and seller's permit, I received a very tempting offer. I was pre-approved for an Advanta card with 0% for 12 months. I thought, wow I can really use this to expand my business! I made a few purchases and paid some bills and ran up a $3,576.00 balance over the course of 8 months. I once fell behind and planned to split the payment. I got a call from a very rude person while I was having my car windows tinted. That was a gift, by the way, it's just that they called after only one week after I made the first payment and was going to make the rest of the payment that day. The guy would not let me do that, and threatened to report my late payment to credit agencies unless I paid him right then over my cell phone. I gave in, and made the payment. This made me look closer at this account. THEY NEVER GAVE ME A 0% RATE. Though it started at a reasonable 8%, it climbed up to 37.18, going up every month! I stopped using the card, but the fees are making the minimum payment impossible to pay. I tried calling them to work something out with them, only to waste hours being told that I received a notice that there was a change in polices. Well, I never received any such notice! He then changed his tune and read a form letter to me about how they determine the interest based on personal credit, card usage, etc. I saw another complaint with the exact word for word letter. I tried again after the guy gave me a number for a credit counseling service. I could not understand why I couldn't work out some kind of arrangement with them myself rather than dinging my credit when none of my other cards are ripping me off! At one point I was told that I would have to talk to the collection department of the company, but they would not give me that number. I'm now at a point where I have gone out of business completely, mostly because my biggest client went out of business. I later found out Advanta dinged my credit anyway. ADVANTA RUINED MY CREDIT RATING AND CREDIBILITY PUTTING THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN THAT USED TO BE MY BUSINESS. Well, I've stopped paying them because even though I no longer use the card, the minimum payment has been in the $176.00 range WITH NO PURCHASES. They are calling and it's only been 4 days late. I'll pay them when they decide it would be in their best interest to drop that rate! I've had it with them and anyone that wants or knows about a class action lawsuit, then by all means email me. This company must be stopped. Perhaps if I had engaged in deceptive business practices like them, I'd be successful. Stay away from them and if you can, pay off your balance and close your account.

Complaint: We've been an Advanta CC holder for years. Our company has fallen on hard times and we are near Bankruptcy. As a result we've paid Advanta late a couple of times. They rose our interest rate to 37%!! That's right "Thirty-Seven Percent!" I wrote them explaining our problems and that we would like to pay the IN FULL but need a payment plan and lower interest rate to do so. They told us "sorry, but no can do." ADVANTA SUCKS! Stay away from this company. They will screw you!!

Complaint: I have a balance of under $ 2,000 on an Advanta Business Master Card. The limit is $ 25,000. I have never been late with a payment since I got the card in January 2007. On My NOV statement, they increased my interest rate from 7.99% to 27.7%. I talked to some service guy in Salt Lake City. He would not give me why they did, just that they analyzed my account. I need some advice on how to proceed against these thieves.

Complaint: As a small business owner I was shocked to open by statement today and saw that my credit rate had skyrocketed up to 27.18% from 9.99%. I called twice and got the same memorized answer. My account was reviewed and based on the likelyhood of default they will not lower the rate. I asked what I did wrong and they assured me that I had never been late on a payment. My credit rating is over 800 so what is going on????? When I said that I would search another company and get away from them, I was told "That is your privilege", but this is the best offer we have. This has got to be as close to illegal as I've ever experienced.

Complaint: I was enjoying a 16% rate. Pay on time and never use even 1/2 of my limit. Now today I see a 32% rate. They said after review of everything, a rate of 32% is in order. After a less than pleasant chat, I hung up on him. Nothing he would do - cept review in the future. So... I will make good on my threat and pay this card off and use another. NONE of my personal cards went up.

Complaint: Not only did Advanta increase my credit card rate from 7.99% to 27.18% in one month. On my December statements in bold red states my due date but additionally the payment must now reach them by 12Pm EST! A time deadline on mail delivery is absolutely against the law. I reviewed my payment history from Jan '08 to Dec '08. At no time did I have a late payment, nor was I over my credit limit. And every single month I paid more than the minumim payment due. Many times my payments were in the area of $500/ $250/ $200 and one month I paid $1000. Payment amount due was majority of months in the $130 to $150 range. This increase in interest rates is uncalled for since I ihave not dinks against my payment history with Advanta. Other credit cards I hold will reflect the same payment history also my mortgage payments to Countrywide, my mortgage company. I have raised their customer service department by email and awaiting reply as to what criteria they use to assume mail delivery and how they justify these rate increases. I thought the ball out Congress made was to some degree stop these illegal charges by credit card companies. I think every Advanta Credit CArd holder should complain to their State SEnator and Congressmen, contact every TV program and report the practices the Advanta has chosen to inflict upon the small business card holders at this time. The squeaky wheels gets oiled folks.. WE need to make some loud noise now.. today!! EJ Reynolds North Las Vegas NV

Complaint: Everyone of us has the same story. We should all remeber Advanta and tell everyone you know

Complaint: Advanta raised my Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from 7.99% fixed to 20.99% variable in August '08, then raised it again to 21.99%. Each time without any reason and they refused to tell me why. I had close to an 800 credit score and never miss payments, pay early, and pay more than the minimum. I did check my credit report and nothing had changed prior to their raising my APR. Horrible company. I have no idea why they raised my rate and it impacted my credit score by more than 30 points. It dropped to 750 and had been over 780. Avoid Advanta.

Complaint: Advanta just raised our business credit card interest to 37.18%, including the no interest balance transfer offer they made to us to lure our business. The purchase interest was 8.99% when we received the card. I called and tried to speak to a supervisor about it several times and was told one would have to call me back and never did. I finally got through to one and the rate increase is apparently due to a payment that was posted to their system one day late, five months ago (we setup online banking and the bank sent a check instead of a wire transfer and it took a long time to get there for some reason).! When I discovered that problem five months ago I called Advanta immediately and they said it would not be a problem and that they would notate the file. Apparently that was useless. What is shocking to me is that they would raise the rate to a usurous 37.18% on our entire balance (not just new charges). When I objected they said there was nothing they could do about it and suggested that we apply for a credit card at another bank and transfer the balance. This is the worst bank I have ever dealt with, and I strongly discourage anyone thinking of taking out credit from them from doing so.

Complaint: Advanta has an I.T. deptment that is unable to correct my account to allow me access. They agree my log on name is correct but I can't get in. This is the same every month. I have now learned that they have a two year old e-mail account and can't follow through to correct this. When speaking to one of their account reps I said it is ridiculous the amount of ineptness of the employees. At which time he started to yell which provoked me into being very coarse with him. I then called back and asked for a suppervisor, who while pleasent did not resolve the problem. She referred me to a website to pay my bill. This website ! required me to sign a new agreement.I had to call thier corporate offices in Pa. to make the payment. I will not punish myself by contiuing this relationship. BEWARE!

Complaint: Found this board a while back & will post more later! QUESTION for anyone...I have a small business card with them & I am now being threatened as well as my spouse, assets (which I have none other than my house)not paid off so what can they do? They say they have turned it over to a Law firm & some jerk keeps calling telling me that they are going to take me to court & that I will pay fees, that I need to get a lawyer, etc...I have not paid them for several months due to them raising my rates so high & said screw them! I refuse to pay them at this point & have read EVERY post on here. They are scammers!!! Has anyone! else stopped paying them? What should I do at this point?

Complaint: Honest Small business owner, Got an Advanta card for 2 Years. My interest jumped from 9.9 % to 36.33 %. For no reason at all. Called Advanta about never been late and to tell then that I just checked my credit score and it was 770 average. They said according to their criteria I should pay 36.33 % and call back in 90 days to see what they can do. Nothing else. ADVANTA = " SCAM " THEY SHOUD BE STOP.

Complaint: I have never paid late, but when I paid off my balance in full this month they claimed it was late. My records show that the payment was posted 1 day late, so I paid a 39.00 late fee on line and called to close my account which had a 0 balance. I then got on line to verify that they had indeed closed my account and saw that they had instead tacked on $135.00 interest and fees. I called and spoke to a rep. to explain that I closed the account and it had a 0 balance when it was closed and I will not pay the outrageous fees they are trying to charge. I told her it was fraud, she said she could not remove the fees. Talk abou! t Rip Off!!! Carol

Complaint: Advanta raised the rate from the 7.99% intro to over 33% in the span of 2 months because of 2 late payments. These payments were less than a week late each time. We now are forced into bankruptcy due to the failure of my company and my wife being out of work for the last 4 months. We notified Advanta of this when they called and gave them our lawyers info. They said the lawyer had 30 days to respond to them or they would start calling again. Guess what, 3 days later they start calling again. We notify them again and 3 days later they call again! I asked to speak to a supervisor and, after waiting a few minutes, I was cut off. I called the main number and after entering the card number I entered the last 4 of my SSN. I couldn't get any further because the automated attendant repeated that my entry was incorrect. I'm contacting my lawyer about a possible lawsuit under the bankruptcy protection laws.

Complaint: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LURED INTO DEALING WITH THIS COMPANY. I signed up with Advanta about 2 yrs ago. I made payments ontime, everytime. However, I noticed my interest rate going up and up. It was low around 7.99% when I first joined. It has now skyrocketed to 36.99% because of a high balance. I called 3 times to get it lowered. I cancelled my card. I just called again to get it lowered and spent 40 minutes on the phone detailing how I have NEVER defaulted on credit cards, that I OWN a home and I am an unlikely candidate to default but because of the CRAZY interest rate on $7500, I am having a difficult time paying it off!!! WHO WOULDN"T!!! The final supervisor said he was not willing to lower my rate but said all of the people I spoke with had the ability to do so, they just were not going to based on my "ratings". These people are scammers and only want money. I admit to having a high balance, but I cannot begin to think who in their right mind would pay 36% interest rate!!!!! ITS INSANITY and FRAUD. I was told that all credit companies operating in Nevada can raise interest rates as high as they want. I WILL NEVER EVER USE ADVANTA AGAIN OR RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY TO ANYONE!!!

Complaint: Warning! Do not use Advanta. I've used my Advanta credit card for three years. I always pay my balance off every month. This fall I received a late notice from Advanta. I checked when I wrote and mailed the payment. I had mailed the check SEVEN days before the due date. The check cleared my bank three days after the due date. Hmmm. Strange. I called Advanta to let it know it had made a mistake and to request that it remove the late payment penalty and interest charges. The company refused to budge. It said it is not its fault if the postal service loses my check or takes too much time to delive! r my payment. I screamed foul! I asked for a manager. The woman on the phone said that no manager was available that day. I complained bitterly until finally she amazingly found a manager. He, too, told me that Advanta will not reverse the late fee or interest charges. I told him that I paid seven days before the due date. I also told him to look at my past payment history, which is flawless. He did not budge. Now I am getting phone calls from Advanta on my home phone and my cell phone telling me that my balance is up to $160 in fees and interest. 1. Do NOT use Advanta. I did nothing wrong but they are going after me for $160. This could happen to you. 2. If anyone files a class action lawsuit against Advanta, count me in! You can contact me through my company's website,

Complaint: Advanta, suddenly increased our interest rate from 5.8% to 16.99% I called there 800 # and ended up with somebody in India. Collecting 16.99% on a card which is in complience to payment, I would think they can afford to a US call center.My call to India was useless. Need less to say Advanta is located in Salt Lake City.

Complaint: HAD 0% INTEREST TO START THEN WENT TO 7.9% THEN WENT TO 25% THEN THEY DID A REVIEW AND RAISED IT TO 35.9% BECAUSE WE MIGHT DEFAULT ON IT. WE CANCELED IT BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT LOWER THE INTEREST. NOW WE PAY 300.00 A MONTH INTEREST THIS IS THE WORST CREDIT CARD COMPANY.

Complaint: It is fraud Card with no business ethics. FDIC must act against this card and protect consumers. A CLASS ACTION AGAINST ADVANTA BUSINESS CARD WILL BE A BEST HELP TO PROTECT CONSUMER TO RECOVER LOOT BY ADVANTA CARD

Complaint: I opened a business credit card with Advanta about 16 months ago. The ineterest rate was 7.99%. I made all payments on time and even paid twice in one month several times to pay it down. In June of this year, they raised my interest rate to 18.99%!. I called them to see what happened and the lady said "it was nothing you did, its the economy. We looked at are accounts and raised the interest rate. Its going up again". Well it did! It went up to 35.5%!!!! Then the harrassing phone calls came telling me I have to pay. One young child said you can pay, "we checked, you own a! home, well take your home if you don't make payments". I am a new small business owner with a credit score of over 800!. They will put me out of business by trippling my interest payment and nothign going to principle. I stopped paying due to the fact that this is "loan sharking" at its finest. I complained to the state A.G.'s office and they referred my complaint to the FDIC. They investigated it and said there is nothing they can do. We all need to get together and get an attorney.

Complaint: I opened this account with free interest for a year.... It jumped to 29.99 on 12,500. Line. Today I went to use it to get gas just to keep it acctive. I get gas are something every couple of months and then pay it off in 1 or 2 payments... Well the day I went to use it a letter came in the mail they had closed my account. NEVER Ever LATE ! Thank God I didn't depend on it. That is what I have always felt that a credit card was for when one needs it... Well this company shows me not to depend on this company.... So beware! They get you in and if they can't make money off you they cut you off wi! th no notice or good reason. And after reading so many of the posted notes I can see alot are trapped having to pay these high balance's at such a high rate... (I was told if you close your account the card has to honor the rate when your card is closed.. Some might check this out ... could save you lots of money.... )

Complaint: I have had an Advanta credit card for some time now - at a somewhat reasonable "fixed" rate for the "life" of the balance transfer(I think around 6%). NEVER missed a payment, never late, never over the limit - a very good customer! In today's mail, however, I received a notification that the interest rate on my account would be adusting to 32% (yes - you read it right - a whopping THIRTY-TWO PERCENT)effective December 1, 2008 (three weeks ago) if I did not "opt out" within 15 DAYS....Yes - that's right - only 2 weeks notice. To all of you out there in web-land - PLEASE P! LEASE PLEASE read your mail and formally opt out when you receive notice of these outrageous rate increases....Be sure to write your "opt out" letter very carefully and in accordance with the instructions provided - or the credit card company will try to deny your "opt-out" notice and charge you the increased rate. Although your account will be closed if you opt out(which may negatively affect your FICO score) - it is better than paying these loan sharks the ungodly interest. I mean - 32% - are they out of their minds or what! Good Lord.......

Complaint: Advanta did the same thing to me. I've been following the complaints since September. Some small business owners are suing Advanta in Small Claims Court.  He was able to get his interest back and attorney fees paid in 2 weeks in PA small claims court. Many have been successful in closing their account and getting back their interest rate or a lesser interest rate via a complaint to at Advanta through the Utah BBB depending on what state your in, it seems. She is supposedly with the Office of the President. A complaint to the FDIC is also a good idea. There are over 300 reports on the Internet now from small business owners who have had their interest rates increased to as high as 37.5% without notice. Advanta claims each time they have sent an Opt Out notice and the vast majority of these small business complaintents state they never received this Opt Out notice. If you weren't late, over limit, etc., they are obligated to send one to you at least 15 days prior to any changes. I have heard of a few people who actually did get one but only recently. From what I have seen, Advanta, for most, uses your SSN and FICO score to open up your credit card account. On rare occasion I have heard of them using a D&B, but most of the small business owners that have their card, only go on personal credit. Advanta chooses not to report any of your credit card history on the 3 personal credit card bureaus until you stop paying them and then they put negative information on your credit report to try and force you to pay their predatory and unethical high interest rates. Not paying, such as "Threatened" in FL has done, will ruin your personal credit because Advanta seems to be just a personal credit card disguished as a small business credit card. They just give you a high credit limit because you say you have a business. I know of some instances where Advanga doesn't even bother to check to see if your business really exists and that you have the sales and income you state coming in or not. They rely solely on your personal credit! most of the time. They are now trying to make up for their huge increase in credit loss by prying it out of perfectly good business owners who were never late, have excellent credit, excellent FICO scores, and it appears anyone carrying a balance. Some of the small businesses were on the edge of going out of business before Advanta jacked their rate and the increase in their interest rate was the nail in the coffin. You can't blame Advanta for those cases of protecting themself from bad credit. But, for most all I have seen, there was no good reason for doing what they are doing. I saw a Nielson rating that Advanta has or had 1.2 million business card holders, so they could care less about a few hundred they are taking to the cleaners. They also feel safe behind their arbitration agreement and class action opt outs located in most of their credit card agreements which is almost iron clad and takes away your constitutional rights to trial by jury and class action lawsuits. Almost everyone is using them these days. For anyone seeking a new small business credit card, read the fine print carefully. Most of all of them around the December 2008 timeframe now have a clause further down in their agreement that says they can change any of the terms of your agreement any time they feel like it for any reason. This means if they advertise a 0% rate for 15 months on a balance transfer and 7.99% thereafter, there is NO guarantee you will actually get these terms nor will they stick with them. If you borrow too much money, they may jack your rate to anything they feel like for any reason at any time. They get a ton of new customers under these terms I suspect because it is a known fact most consumers don't bother to take the time to read the terms and conditions.

Complaint: WATCH OUT FOR CHANGES IN YOUR PAYMENT DUE DATE.... That is how they will get you!!!! In December they changed my due date by moving it up a few days. Since I didn't have a statement I didn't know and paid online as usual, on the normal day I pay. When I realized the due date had changed I panicked and tried calling Advanta immediately. I made 7 different attempts on different days to deal with this and EVERY SINGLE CALL WENT OVERSEAS!! When I finally got a supervisor and complained I was told it was my job to ask for someone in the U.S. In addition even after paying on time every single month, I am being punished with a 24% interest rate on a card that was 2.99% for the life of balance. I explained that I didn't have a statement and followed the normal due date and the kid blamed it on me and refused to help me at all. I argued..all he would do was to offer a 17.99 interest rate...What I told him that was a crock considering prime is between 1-3% he basically said it was better than 24%. Bottom line my payment was 4 days after the due date...not a ! month, not a week and this is what they do to diligent normal paying customers!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.

Complaint: This company blows. I have never dealt with such dishonest people like this. For a long time I had a set interest rate, it changes drastically and when I call they said they sent a notice (BS). I finally got fed up and tried paying of my balance...well I thought I did, they charged additional interest and since I thought it was paid off I had a late fee in addition. The biggest problem with this company is that they keep changing your due date. For years it was always within the same few days for the due date...then it changes from the first week of the month to the end of the month. I will never deal with this comp! any again. Please take your business elsewhere (run far far away) or you will end up paying for it!

Complaint: Same story as everyone else..I had an excellent payment history and received a payment over the holidays that was due 12/25. I paid it less than a week late and paid a 35% interest rate on the entire balance of my business card on top of a 39.00 late fee... This kind of unfair trade practic should be illegal..Sign me up for a class action..

Complaint: Received an 0% card back in July 2007. Rate went up to ~12% after one year, and one month later, went up to 37%! That's without ever missing a payment! Needless to say, once this one's paid off, it's gone!

Complaint: This company loves to take "advantage" of small businesses! The new laws should slow them down, but the laws won't go into effect until summer 2010. Folks - don't bother trying to work with Advanta's operators or even sending letters to their customer service. Contact the Utah Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. Its the only way I've been able to get Advanta's attention. good luck!

Complaint: If anyone is ready to fight the corrupt practices of Advanta please email me. I am looking for an attorney to take this on. This is government sanctioned loan sharking and should be illegal! I have stopped paying my account with this card. I will not be railroaded into paying 35% interest with a credit score of over 800 and no personal credit card debt!!!!! This is a business account and they are going to put me out of business with their greed. They are raping all of us. Stop paying them!!!! Get an attorney with me!!!!!! In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802 : "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies . If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered".

Complaint: HATE THIS BANK. I sincerely hope they go out of business during this economic times -- they deserve it, big time!!! This bank targets small business and lures you with low interest rates. After having the account for more than a year and never missing a payment, they jacked up my rate to an outrageous 27%!!! Their justification: according to their calculations my account was determined to be "at risk for default." Based on what?!?? They will not explain further. I promptly closed my account and paid off the balance, and that's they started playing these games about daily interest - on a closed account! After making an additional payment for the interest, they send another invoice for interest on the interest! I was assured twice by a so called supervisor of the pay off amount, but it wasn't the case and no one takes responsibility. Please don't use this bank, avoid at all cost. And I hope (again) that they go out of business.

Complaint: Bottom line, Advanta are crooks. I had an account in good standing for two years with an interest rate of 2.9%. I was one day late on a payment and they raised my rate to 38.99%. After a few failed attempts to get them to agree to lower the rate to something reasonable, I decided to transfer the balance to another card and close the account. I was fortunate that I was able to do that. In the wake of our country's current financial crises, I understand that banks are going to be careful, but what Advanta is doing is taking advantage of the situation and hurting the very people that are g! oing to help our country recover. The federal government needs to step in and do something. In addition to the fact that Advanta is financially raping small businesses, they are also not supportive of creating new jobs in America. Their entire customer service support staff is contracted out to call centers in India. These people have no care what happens to struggling small businesses in this country, let alone that they are working for a company that may potentially put them out of business. Advanta has proven itself to completely lack integrity and dedication to our country and it's hard working small business owners. Advanta needs and deserves to be put out of business.

Complaint: I just received my bill and I am being charged 39% and 37%. I was sent new terms change last month and was just getting to reading it. I am freaking out. Help!

Complaint: Advanta has sent out letters to opt out of their outrageous increase in interest rate. We did not receive our letter until Jan. 9th- we then sent a letter opting out. They have charged our card the increased interest from Jan 2nd until the 15th when they received our letter. This is criminal!!!!

Complaint: The list goes on and on! they don't care!!!!! THEY'RE ANTI AMERICAN!!!!

Complaint: These People need to be put out of business. They send out statementes so late you don't have time to get a payment in before its late.

Complaint: After a 3 year absolutely clean record with Advanta on a business card I was 1 day late on an electronic payment. They claimed it was thier right to raise interest rates. Over the past 14 months they have steadily raised the rate to 38%! No more missed payments or anything. I call every month all they say is to call next month and request a rate change. This is insane.. these people should be driven out of business. Next month I finally have the opportunity to pay this balance and good riddance to these sleezebags

Complaint: Coming from NJ we were raised to be wary about who you borrow money from or owe money to.Advanta's business model is obviously bait and eventually switch and "predatory" lending. I will be writing to the FDIC,Utah department of banking.I would write to Sen. Schumer ( expect very little from that crook)Chris Dodd (another crook) Barney Frank (another crook)but that would be useless.I must admit that before I found this site I only strongely suspected that i had been ripped off now I feel better and know that these guys could never survive in my neighborhood.How can people like that have any self respect. I ! am making this a vendetta.I can afford to pay off these guys (after going from 7.9 to 23 to 27% within 3 months of using the card. I asked them that if they were concerned about credit risks what changed in three months of a 17K line and7.9% to 23% and then 27% and wouldn't only people that are honorable about debts pay?I am getting very disappointed with the folks that are supposed to have my back while I earn a living,run a business raise a family.

Complaint: Complaint: Same story as everyone else..I had an excellent payment history and received a payment over the holidays that was due 12/25. I paid it less than a week late and paid a 35% interest rate on the entire balance of my business card on top of a 39.00 late fee... This kind of unfair trade practic should be illegal

Complaint: I got this business card with a 6.99 rate and a $25,000 LOC and had it for about 4 years. I have mid 700 credit scores and my company has been in business 30 years with no debt. I rarely charged more than a couple thousand a month and paid in full monthly. Never late. In Aug. 08 I decided to take them up on their 2 time a month mailing with "convience checks" and used them for about $15K in purhases. I paid the balance in full 2 months later - before it was due. I noticed on my November statement that my APR went from 6.99% to 28.99%. I called cust. serv. in India and was told that "my circumstanc! es had changed and that was the new rate". I emailed cust serv stating I would cancel unless this changed and was told 28.00% is the rate. I cancelled and within 2 weeks Comerica gave me a credit card with $35k limit at 8.99%. THis in December during the "financial crisis". Advanta wants accounts closed and will screw you to make it happen.

Complaint: I concur with my fellow consumers that Advanta Business Card is one of the most fraudulent, if not THE most fraudulent, credit card companies around. There rates, I am certain, exceed the Usury laws in most states. Sounds as though it is time we try to fight against them in a united front. They have to realize that in today's business climate when the dust settles, they will be facing a severe attrition of their customer base. We will have choices and we will be able to make a statement loud and clear.

Complaint: Like everybody else I have never missed a payment. About a year ago they lowered my interest rate by simply asking. Now it is totally absurd at 37% and they won!t even discuss lowering it. It seems like they might be biting the dust soon. We can only hope. NEVER APPLY FOR THIS CARD!

Complaint: After reading many of the posts on this site I realize that the problems that I am having with Advanta are widespread with other customers. In these economic times Advanta is doing their best to ruin as many households as they can. Read on! My situation: I opened an account because I had some debt to pay off. The "teaser rate" was very low for the "life" of the balance transfer. I was late on a payment in November of 2008. For one reason or another, my online bill pay did not transfer the funds to Advanta for my monthly payment. The payment was not on my bill pay so there was no proof on my end. I called Advanta and explained the situation to them. They indicated that there is nothing that they could do for me. They raised my interest rate to 37% on an approximate balance of $6000. This upped the monthly interest payments to around $200 (interest only). Not being able to take this sitting down I called back and asked for a supervisor. After listening to the supervisor refuses any assistance, I went on the offensive. I asked the Supervisor why they are screwing with the American Consumer. He indicated that they are not. I indicated it is not good enough that the Economic Stimulus Bill is giving the baks BILLIONS of tax payer money; they have to STEAL from their customers! He indicated in a cocky voice: WE DID NOT GET ANYOF THAT MONEY! I stated: Now I know why ADVANTA is after their customers, they did not get a government bailout. The supervisor said no more and terminated the call. After many phone calls to the company I was told that I could try back in 3 months and the rate could be lowered then if I made three consecutive on time payments. After the three month wait: I called again and explained my situation. Obviously, as with many other Americans, I do not have the money to pay this debt off in a lup sum. The person at Advanta stated I am not eligible for a lower interest rate. This made me very unhappy. I explained my displeasure with Advanta and told the worker that I would be starting an investigation into how to get back at Advanta. This post is step one. I hope that ADVANTA reads each and every one of these posts. Did you know that Advanta does not have a formal complaint department? I have tried to go higher than the supervisor and am continually told that I cannot because there is no one! YEAH RIGHT!! Researching a solution: For those of you reading these posts that are in dire straights, a possible solution is contacting a Credit Counseling Agency. I contacted one to see what they had to offer. Believe it or not but if I signed up for the counseling Advanta would drop the interest rate to 0%. YES 0%. Why won’t Advanta work with their customers, to remedy these situations where the consumer will not take a hit on their credit report? I did not go this route. I paid most of this balance off with my tax return. Government Action needed! We need some agency to investigate these practices. These practices that Advanta is doing are directly affecting American consumers and need to be stopped. Somehow Advanta needs to be investigated and put in their place. If you have any ideas please email me. Together we can make a difference for future Advanta customers that are financially hurt by this company!

Complaint: Like everyone else on this site, I too have become a victim of Advanta's scam to rape the average bussiness owner. I filed complaints with the BBB and the FDIC about their practices, and have no response yet.I will being going to the national t.v. networks, as I feel all credit card companies are making todays ecomony worse. I have also watched the Advanta stock tumble to just .54 per share From over $9.99 a share last May. This is as of this morning, so there is hope that this company may go out of business, just like they have put others out. The problem I see with Advanta is they targeted small business owners, knowing that once they fell prey to Advanta. there was no way out for them. With the tightening of bank practices to loan money, it is imposssible to get away from them. I have a 720 fico score and have been talking to banks about how to get out from them. Does anyone else know how get away from them? J

Complaint: Like the 200+ other complaints here, I have had my rate increased from a manageable 7.99% to 33%. The worst part is that numerous customers failed to pay us in January causing me to carry $6000 forward into February (of a $25,000 credit line). I have since paid that $6000 that carried over, but since I did not pay the entire amount when owed, I am now caught paying adjusted daily balance rates from January through now. I made my last payment on Feb 13 and want to pay off my balance today. Advanta has self imposed rules that do not allow transactions within 3 business days of prior transactions. I am therefore ! not able to pay off my full balance and get rid of this terrible company. By Friday when I can pay off my balance, I will have incurred and addition $161 in finance charges. NEVER USE THIS COMPANY. THEY WILL KILL YOUR SMALL BUSINESS.

Complaint: For all the people dealing with the ridiculousness of Advanta. Advanta used to be one of the best business credit cards out there. They upped your limit with out pulling credit, they offered a due date at the end of month which is really conducive to small businesses, they did not report business expenses on the personal credit report, and they did create a business credit history by reporting to Business Experian. Unlike other business credit cards, the interest rates were phenominally low, 0% - 7.99%, which is unheard of for a business credit card, since all other business credit cards typically have a higher interest rate, due to the card not being reported to personal credit. Well, things have changed. The economy has tanked, and Advanta's default rates have gone through the roof. To make up for the short fall, they increasing lines arbitrarily up to32%, for no specific reason. Factors affecting your pricing have nothing to do with YOU but EVERYTHING for them to make up for their tremendous default rates. There is way to handle them to get the results you want. Things have changed, and like the market is dictating, there is no longer the 7.99% interest rate credit card for life, although they have it on their website buried deep down within three clicks to get to the page. No one is getting those rates anymore, despite the fact that they are claiming people are. Advanta is trying to make it a SPECIFIC case against YOU, but do not be fooled. It has nothing to do with you. My husband’s credit score is in the 850s. He has no debt, and his business is booming. Advanta automatically declined him for a credit card due to "the rising employment rates in our area" ridiculous. So here is what you have to do and its just common sense with ANY type of business transaction. 1) Do not be desperate. If Advanta jacked up your interest rates, then just pay the balance off. If paying the balance off is a problem, keep reading, I will give you additional sources that are fair to small businesses that you can use to pay off your Advanta balance. Once they see that your balance is zero, you then nicely ask them to evaluate your account. More than likely they will lower your interest rate to 15% which is the high end of what you can get for a business credit card right now. Call back in 60 - 90 days, and you can possible get it lowered by two points each time you call. 2) Stop using the card. Let a period time go by. If you have a high interest rate, chances are you will not be using the card anyway. Let them know that you really do not need the credit. That is what ALL banks want to here. When you are applying for a loan with any bank, you tell them that you would like money for company expansion, but never say anything like you need the money because your cash strapped. 3) Be calm and that will build credibility. Do not get angry with the reps on the phone. They typically do not respond to the 1st request, but they do respond to the 3rd, 4th, 5th request. I calmly asked them to resend the letter they claimed that explained the changes in their interest rates, (which was a lie by the way) I then called them again, asking them where the letter was, and reminded them of my request. They did it again, and claimed that they would send the letter that day. All this does is built your case and credibility, IF it gets to the point where you may have to sue them for under BREACH and Usury laws. If you sue them first, the Venue is your DOMAIN, and YOUR states laws. Utah, where they are located, does not care and their usury laws are weak. So you can complain, but it will not get you anywhere. 4) After they see that you are serious, calm, credible, etc. you will notice that you will get the results that you are looking for. Advanta like every other bank is America is just trying to survive. So they are picking their victims accordingly. You do not have to be victim. Show them, you are one of the strong ones, the few strong smart businesses that know how to survive, and they will leave you alone, and you will get what you want. I really thought I would have to sue them. I was ready, and had my case prepared for Breach, even went and dug up some old court cases and how people won against Advanta. But all that was not necessary. I got what I wanted. And you can too. Now, regarding that new loan source for small businesses. As a result of the crisis, new financing companies with private funds are popping up to serve the small business market. There is a relatively new loan on the market called the Cash Flow Loan. Underwriting is very strict, but on the one hand its very easy. Approval is based on some calculation off your bank statements. A multiple is determined based on your company or industry. So for example, if you have a average daily balance of $10,000 and underwriting assigns you a multiple of 4, then your approval will be $40,000. If you do take credit cards, then your multiple is higher. Approval takes less than 48 hours due to the simplicity, and funding takes 7 days. Rates vary, depending on your credit from 9% - 15%. If you are having trouble paying off your Advanta balance, use these funds to pay them off, so you can negotiate with Advanta effectively and efficiently. Email me if you are interested in learning more about this option. Kind Regards, and Good Luck

Complaint: We received an Advanta card a year and a half ago, with a rate of 7.99%. In Sept 08, they suddenly raised the rate to 30.08% within one month. I was NOT late (so I thought), was NOT over the limit, so I called them. I was told that due to my risk (small business, high debt load)they had the right to raise it - it was in the fine print. I could either accept this new rate or close the account (did you know that's a strike against your credit?). In addition, I found that I HAD been late once because of their sneaky practice of giving you a new due date every month based on a 30 day cycle. (This! practice is barely legal.) And the new rate blew my budget - it was pay my employees or cut their hours to pay Advanta the higher monthly payment. Anyway, I simply refused to pay them until the interest rate went back down. So they told me to "opt out" in writing, close the card, and they would take the rate to 7.99% again. Two months down the road...they still had NOT taken my rate back down, AND had tacked on late fees, over limit fees, etc. I told them that obviously I have no intention of paying those. I informed them that, due to the tough economic times, I would not pay at all unless they adhered to the terms of the original agreement. I have received up to four phone calls per day from India, where they outsource American jobs. I have received letters that were subtly then overtly threatening, which I have sent to my state atty general. I have received letters that were placating. "We don't want to report you to the credit bureaus..." The same day I received a letter from Experion stating that they ALREADY DID. So guess what? That's a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting act - you may NOT report to the credit bureaus unless you have verified the debt and notified the owner of the debt. I will be reporting them to the appropriate agencies, and I read yesterday that I may have the basis for a small claims lawsuit. I certainly hope so - it will be money and time well spent. Because rest assured, I WILL NOT PAY Advanta one red cent, nor will I pay any recovery agency that they employ. If everyone were to band together and simply REFUSE to pay Advanta regardless of what it does to your credit score, I believe that we could get something done. Perhaps even bankrupt the company so that they can't pay the people who call to harass you! I read recently that their company had dropped 83% - Let's keep it going and perhaps they will go out of business altogether.

Complaint: Wow, lots of others out there. Got a fixed interest business card at 7.9% and everything was fine for a year or so. Used a couple promotional checks, never late but had an ongoing issue with Wells Fargo & these ba$turd$ raised me to 27.18, 32.18, 32.18 & still one promotion at 6.99. They won't do anything for me. Other cards have reduced my credit limit but rates stayed the same. These guys raise the interest & leave the credit limit. I paid them %1700.00 in interest alone in 08.

Complaint: I have always paid before the due date, always paid more than the minimun, have a credit score greater than 750 and yet Advanta increased my interest rate from 7.99% to 28% on my balance. Many calls and e-mails and a willingness to "opt out" brought the rate down to 20%, still outrageous! I have since paid off the balance and am planning to terminate my account with them because of feeiling so taken advantage of. Dave

Complaint: 7.9% interest to 31% interest. No reason whatsoever. After two long phone calls no one can tell me why.

Complaint: Do not deal with Advanta, because they will screw you good. 37.18% interest on almost everyone. They should be HUNG.

Complaint: 32.99 & 37.99 for Cash Advances They won't listen! They are hurting small business. Loan Sharks

Complaint: I had a promotional balance transfer rate of 2.99% and a balance of about 7k. We mailed payment on 1/8/09, payment due date was 1/20 and check cleared on 1/23. I have no proof that the check arrived on time, but after seeing all the complaints on this board and others I strongly believe that it did. Advanta then charged a $39 late fee and jacked my interest rate to 32.18%. They charged me interest at 32.18% for the entire balance for the entire month, even though my account had only been late for 3 days. Customer service supervisor was no help basically telling me that I did not live up t! o terms of agreement. Advanta is predatory and I believe they are fraudulent.

Complaint: Oh where do I start? One: They cannot afford to hire within our own country. Two: The same answer is give form a non English speaking person, and I mean literally at multiples levels, saying the exactly the same thing “your interest rate is based upon many factors” Just like it reads form a computer screen it seem they are reading English for the first time. Three: Very High interest rate and I mean high 35%. (Now for a person with a credit score around 450 I could see it, but for me it is 790-820. Then to say the reason for it being high is because I am a high risk. Ok they give me 12k. Not bad for a high risk!! Four: Customer service, “Sorry but our office is closed” I live in Hawaii but I can still reach other credit cards company, that sounds like an American and with a heart pulse not a machine. Five: this is a joke!! Right form their web site. Just Google “Advanta complaints” Advanta is one of the nation’s largest credit card issuers (through Advanta Bank Corp.) in the small business market today. Advanta’s exclusive focus on this market as well as its size, experience, and commitment to developing meaningful product offerings and a high level of service tailored to the needs of small businesses differentiates the company from other issuers. Founded in 1951, Advanta has long been an innovator in developing and introducing many of the marketing techniques that are common in the financial services industry today.

Complaint: I received a intro 0% APR for 1 year then 9.0% thereafter with a $10,000 credit line. No problem, worked as stated on the terms sheet. After aprox 1.5 years, with an excellent payment history with no lates or no missed payments AND having paid more than minimum, they decided to raise my intrest rate to 22%. I called to complain and was informed that I had a high credit ratio and was a risk...(which my credit score is 705) about 6 months later, I was raised to 32% then shortly after that 37%. THIS IS ROBBERY! CROOKS! I closed the account and paid it off. I filed a complai! nt with the BBB in the area of Advanta main headquarters, but they are ignoring the complaint also. Too many padded pockets... GREED is the main reason for the failure of our echonomy.

Complaint: I accepted an Advanta business card for my small business in April 2008. The interest rate on the card was 7.99%. I was disturbed very quickly into the relationship with this company, because my due date changed every month which made it difficult to get my payment in on time if I wasn’t very vigilant. In August, 2008, my percentage rate was still 7.99%, but I was shocked when I opened my next statement to find that my interest rate was a whopping 30.08%! I checked to see if I’d made a late payment or had gone over the limit, and then I called Advanta, certain they’d made a mistake. I was informed by the ‘account specialist’ that they had sent me a letter stating that my interest rate might change. I did NOT receive that letter. She proceeded to tell me that Advanta reserved the right to raise my interest rate if they felt my credit score was lower than they approved of. Advanta’s arbitrary increase of my interest to nearly four times the rate I had agreed to obviously impacted my ability to pay, so I spoke to several more ‘account specialists’ over the course of the week, emailed, and wrote the corporate headquarters. I requested a copy of the document they say they sent me (this they sent), and a copy of my original signed agreement with Advanta (which they did NOT send). Finally, I spoke to someone who told me that I could ‘opt out’ in writing, my account would be closed, (impacting my credit score) and my next bill would reflect the old 7.99% interest rate. It did not. On the next bill my interest rate exceeded 31%. And by the time Advanta addressed my concerns at all, the bill was already late, and they charged me a late fee AND an over limit fee. Things have not improved... I have receieved letters that ranged from threatening to cajoling, saying they will put liens on my personal property (although I am a limited liability corporation), will ruin my credit, will sue me, etc. I counter with letters stating how some of their correspondence violates the fair debt collection practices act. They finally sent a letter (from Mr Anthony Morelli - who incidentally wrote threatening letters previously) saying he really doesn't want to report my late payments to the credit bureaus. The same day I received this letter, I got another from Experion saying that I had been reported MONTHS ago. This is a violation of the Fair credit reporting act, for those of you who aren't familiar. I could go on... but suffice it to say that this company is borderline criminal and I have reported them to the state atty general, the FTC, and most recently the FDIC. Only a few more complaints will get them investigated, so please JOIN ME in reporting these loan sharks! Write to: FDIC Consumer Response, 2345 Grand Blvd, suite 1200, Kansas City, MO 64180. YOu can also call at 1-877-275-3342 for fax and e-mail contact. I know you are all feeling violated, but YOU CAN TAKE YOUR LIFE BACK - Or at least make theirs miserable.

Complaint: E-mail me at (dec) (@) (msn.com) if interested in participating in a joint class action suit. We have quite a sizeable group. It is tough to get other attorneys to take on a class action lawsuit due to the arbitration clause, class action opt out, and choice of law clauses in your credit card agreements. Advanta ripped me off as well. They rate jacked me in August 2008 to 30.05%. Fortunately, they only got me for 1 month. I have seen the rates go to as high as 44%. Fortunately I was able to get my money back through a complaint to the Utah BBB. They seem to be more receptive to cooperating if you can pay off the account and close it.

Complaint: Dear Sir or Madam: I went to the complaints advantage section through google. I can’t add any more than has already been said. I own a small commercial office interiors business and as you can imagine business is tough. I too like the rest of you opened a business account which has both my name and the company name, so they have their money whether the company goes under or not. If the company goes, then they will come after me. Opened at 0 percent in 2005… I believe there honestly were two payments made in 05 over 30 days past due. Since then the payments have been made within a day or two of the due date, although I asked Advanta to provide documentation to support their $39 dollar late fee and they never do. Their automated on line answer line does not have rote answers for those kind off questions. Therefore I started making a concerted effort to pay on the due date. Then shazzam if you read the fine print payments must be posted by noon EST on the day due or they are late. My interest has risen from 0 to the current 38.99 percent! Why..because of information contained on my credit bureau, my percentage of outstanding credit to available credit is too high or so I have been told by the experts. I did get to talk to someone in Salt Lake City and you know the answer. “Nothing we can do”. Just to put the nail in the coffin I have noticed that as I make payments periodically they will review the account and drop my credit line with them. This ensures that as the balance is paid off my credit score drops because my outstanding credit to available is still too high. Therefore no other lending institutions will touch me. So the question is what do we do. Who should I write to for help. My balance last June was 13000. I have paid 900 to 1000 every month since and not used their card. My current balance is just over 9000. Where can I get credit for that amount at a reasonable rate and can I be added to that class action suit? On a positive note I had a much larger company balance with Prudential which is now owned by MBNA. Although I had not been 30 days late with them, on either my master or visa , when I paid the master off in August  with one fell swoop, they reduced my limit on the card from 5K to 1K. When I went to use the visa a week later I found that the card was closed. When I called them they told me they reevaluated and they decided to suspend the accounts. I complained and spoke to someone and they came up with a payment plan for the visa which was at 38K balance at the time. They told me my interest rate would be 5% and a monthly min payment of $700 per month. A month later they increased it to 7 percent and told me it was better than the 24 percent I was paying wasn’t it? Anyhow, one might say that’s crappy of them but to me they look like white knights compared to the thievery from Advanta. Also their reason for suspending was caused by 2 30 day late and 1 60 day late. That did occur, back in 1992!!! So would appreciate hearing how other people that own businesses and can’t get credit can get rid of Advanta. Please send this to the attorney with the class action suit. Thanks. I have a balance of 9500 approximately. They charged me over $4300 in interest in 2008. I have a home equity for 115K. I only paid 6500 in interest in 08. Doe sany one know some mafia types that want to take my loan at 25% and get rid of these crooks?

Complaint: The worst company I have ever dealt with. I would recommend that no one ever due business with these thieves.

Complaint: Let me add my voice to the uproar over Advanta business credit card. They will increase your interest rate automatically without reasonable warning to the maximum allowed by law in your state. Even when your FICO score is high. If you are late in paying by just one day the interest rate will go to levels higher that we saw under the Jimmy Carter administration. My case - 0% to 7.99% to 29.99% to 35.18% over 4 months! My credit score is high and my payment history is very good. Even after paying the balance down to a level that previously had a 7.99% rate, the best Advanta would do is 25.99%. Lending rates to banks are at a! n all time low. This is robbery pure and simple. The profit Advanta has made from me over the last 12 months is subsidizing those who can't pay or have defaulted. The profit on my account is usury and should be illegal. I'm going to pay off the account and make sure as many people as I know avoid Advanta. Shame on me for not reading the fine print. It won't happen again.

Complaint: They were charging me 34.99% APR on a card that is current, no late payments, no problems. They lowered it to 25% but I am closing it and moving on.

Complaint: I had their credit card for 5+ years. I made 61 consecutive payments, in full, on time. I unknowingly misplaced the 62nd. By happenstance I came across the statement 8 days past the due date. I immediately called Customer No Service,explained the situation,and not only immediately sent a check for the full statement, but included all charges accrued after the statement. That check cleared my bank 11 days past the due date. That means they received the check perhaps 10 days past the due date.Not only did they charge the gouge fees (which I expected) but they also filed a negative credit report with one of the B! ig 3 agencies. As a professional you can imagine all the loans I've taken out since high school:student,house, business, cars, etc. Every loan paid off early, never a negative credit report.Except from these jerks.Their response to my complaint was,"you should have paid it off on time, and it's our right to file negative reports." Recently their stock has dropped from $34 to less than the cost of a Big Mac. Any wonder? This is a terrible company. Just stay away from them.

Complaint: after been paying my creditcard for a year never late and always i paid more than the minimun balance, i forgot the due payment because i am 6 month pregnat and i did not feel good so i forgot,3 days later i notice my mistake i did the payment and i sent them an email about it asking them please dont change my 2.99 % fix rate for this mistake , i has been a loyalty client and even i am in foreclousure ,i could not paid my morgage since november last year i did the commitment to be responsable and paid all my cards ,even knowing my credit is not good any more. they never answer my email and then i contact them on april 29 ,i spoke with a customer service rep and a supervisor, i explainted my situation ,they raise my interest to 24.99 % and my last payment of 250 dolars ,wich 207 where applied direct to the interest alraedy now my payment is no fix anymore and raised to $345 which pretty much almost most of the entire amount will go to the paid the interest. i can not affort to paid the card any more under those conditions,i rather to get a deal with my morgage, they did not care, they toldme thath was the best can do and because i fail the agreetment that the result.

Complaint: I have had this card for 2 years and only used it once for a balance transfer, which I have been paying off (on time) every month since. I have AutoPay set up through my bank (because Advanta does not offer this service) to ensure that payments are made on time every month. Payments are sent from my bank account on the 14th of every month, and my credit card payment is due on or about the 20th. Advanta is now claiming that my last payment was late, even though it cleared my checking account before the due date. The due date was not on a business day, and apparently they did not process my payment until the next busines! s day. The funds were issued from my bank account prior to the due date, yet Advanta will not reverse the $39 late fee or reinstate the 2.99% interest they promised to honor until the balance transfer was paid off. They are currently charging me the \"default\" rate of 34.99%. I received the statement showing the late fee on 5/1. I called on the next business day and spoke to Angel, who I could not understand, so I asked to speak with someone else. After putting me on hold for about 20 minutes, she informed me that there was no one available, but a manager would call me back \"within 24 business hours\". I confirmed that they are open 12 hours a day on weekdays, and calculated the day and time I could expect a call by. I did not get a call back until over 3 days had passed, and the only information Christina left was her name and the 800 number. I called back that day and spoke to Brian, Moses (2 times), Angel (an additional 2 times), and finally a manager, Cheryl. Everyone! I spoke to just told me the payment was received after the due date, and there was nothing they could do. None of the 4 people I spoke to was able to explain to me how the billing cycle and payment due date are determined, so that I could set up my AutoPay correctly to make sure they always receive their payment in plenty of time. All I learned was that the billing cycle is 29-32 days long, and that it does not correlate with the number of calendar days or business days into the month. Damage Resulting Hundreds of dollars in additional finance charges in just the first month, the $39 late fee, and a minimum payment which has nearly doubled. I will probably have to file bankruptcy over this, even though I have excellent credit with no other negative marks.

Complaint: I have a small business and had a ADVANTA credit card. I have never been behind in payments. I paid the card up in April and had had several transactions in the last month. They cancelled my account for lack of activity. It seems to me because I paid it up they decided they could not make enough money off me.

Complaint: File a complaint with the FTC! Take these greedy thieves at Advanta down!!! Out of over 5100 FDIC banks, advanta is only one of SIX CURRENTLY listed as NEEDS TO IMPROVE!!   ILLEGAL CREDIT PRACTICES... UDAP

Complaint: Just got hit with a 34.99 percent rate, up from 9.9 percent. I called and the representative, George, ID No. 4703, offered to lower the rate to 27.99 percent. I said, "That's not good enough. May I please speak to your supervisor." Not surprisingly, no supervisor was available "due to extremely high call volume." Maybe a few more people out there are complaining about the same abusive interest rates? This will DEFINITELY hit the business papers, I can guarantee it. Advanta deserves to go out of business.

Complaint: I had Advanta for atleast eight years as my Small Business card, and was in good standing. Made all my payments on time, even payed the balance off numerous times. Then one day I open up my statment to find my rate went from 6.99 to 34.99 due to an Electronic payment that posted one day late. I called to complain and they said that there isn't anything they could do for me and left it at that. I then get a notice saying that my account has been closed, and they are sorry for this inconvienence. Raise my rate and Close my account. That is how you treat your reliable customers... Needless to ! say it's going to be a COLD DAY in HELL before they see another penny from me!!!!

Complaint: I have a somewhat different situation than many people, but it still shows advanta banks complete lack of concern or compassion for the average guy who's been struck hard by the current economic crises. I tried to work with them and explained my situation. For over 20 years I've had excellent credit and never missed a single payment. When the housing market crashed it took my home improvement business with it. I asked Advanta if we could somehow work this out with smaller payments, temporarily, because I'm confident that when the economy springs back, I will be able to make great strides towards paying this debt off in full. Instead they chose to conduct business as usual. They jacked my interest rates up to the maximum (over 27%) raised my minimum amount due each month, and started adding late fees for the unpaid amount. I guess they're within their legal right to do so, because they tell me it was clearly written in one of their change of terms amendments, that they could raise my rates at any time for any reason without notice. You know, one of those 10 page, multi folded inserts, typed in a tiny # 4 font, with about 5000 words of legalese, that they slip into your bill every couple of months... When I called them again, they said if I made a payment they would reduce my rates back down. So I made a payment (on time) and they still refused to lower my rates to a payment I could regularly afford. I am now in default on the debt and they are taking me to court to put leins on all of my assets. Unfortunately for them, I have already sold most of my assets to pay for simple luxuries like rent, electricity, and food. This bank it the prime example of predatory lending, that has in no small part, led to the financial meltdown in this country, and in the world. I don't know if my situation makes me eligible to be a part of any class action lawsuit, but I will absolutely give my full support to anyone who has the legal means to bring this company down.

Complaint: I opened an account for my Internet business with Advanta Bank in late 2006. The interest was "supposed" to be 8.99% fixed. My credit limit for the business was for a maximim total of $21,000.00. During the first year of the account being opened, the interest rate went from 8.99% to 36%. I contacted them and out of the kindness of their hearts, they lowered it down to around 24%. No reason was available for this increase by their crack customer service department. My monthly balances were always either paid early or paid in full. There was never a late payment made during the whole time the account was in existence. In addition, my balance never came anywhere near the limit allowed. In April of this year (2009), Advanta Bank sent me a notice via the US mail, that they were closing my business account as of May 1st. This credit card account was the sole method of payment utilized for my Internet business. Out of a credit limit of $21,000.00, my balance at that time was a massive total of $179.00, nowhere near the $21,000.00 maximum amount allowed. When I called to inquire as to why the account was being mysteriously closed, once again, their crack customer service department was unable to provide me with a concrete answer. My only assumption is that they were not making much money from me, as I never carried heavy balances and never could be charged late penalities. I have owned credit cards over the past 34 years and never have I experienced anything remotely like this. Had I done something to warrant their actions, I could understand their motives here. Thankfully, I have a full-time day job and this was extra income for me on the side. As a result I decided to close the business as it appears all credit cards are pretty much the same these days and there was no sense in repeating the same scenario over again with another credit card company. Apparently all credit card companies are given a free run by our wonderful self-serving, Washington politicians. Our illustrious politicians appear much more concerned with keeping the credit card company lobbyist's happy so their campaign donations never dry-up!

Complaint: Banks are now robbing the people. This one tops the list. Everyone, please file a complaint at www.ftc.gov about Advanta bank. I had a $14,000 business credit card. My rate was raised to 34.99%. Current balance is $2118,I'm writing a check to pay it off completely getting these crooks out of my life. Remember to file at Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov).Give these crooks a hard time.

Complaint: These scumbags lowered my available credit line to less than my current balance and then started slamming me with over the limit fees!!! I never came close to maxing out my card. I still had over $6000 of available credit, and now I'm over my limit because they lowered my credit line and put me over the limit! The only silver lining in this dark cloud, is knowing that advanta bank will soon be out of business for good. Thanks to their own greed, they now hold the record for consumer default rates (over 20% of their customers have defaulted as of this writing) As a result, their financial backers have all pulled their funds from this criminal banking institution, so advanta had to close all of their business customers accounts (as of June 1st 2009) due to having no more money to lend anyone. They're still keeping their collection offices open so they can squeeze as much money as possible from their existing customers. (As for me, I joined the ranks of their defaulted customers because I refuse to pay them another penny until a court of laws rules how much I truly, legally, owe them) Also, the FDIC has recently ruled a judgement against advanta (July 2009) for their unethical, predatory, lending practices. While advanta did not admit any wrong doing, they were ordered to pay back some 14 million dollars to consumers that they defrauded by using misleading advertisements and falsley raising interest rates for no reason. advanta bank is now screaming poverty (boo freakin' hoo) They are reaping what they themselves have sown! Good riddance to bad rubbish!!!!!!!

Complaint: I must admit I was laid off and out of work for four months. I was delinquent on my payments. I was contacted by Advanta once I was 90 days late and qualified for their "Budget Program". I agreed to enter the program at a 9.99% interest rate, waived penalties and low monthly payments for a fixed time period. I sent a check for the 90 day period in the amount of $700 to bring my account current. I received my statement and I was still at the 25% interest rate. I called and found out that they claim "I was late again on my first payment and the contract was voided so your still at the 25% rate, you'll have to wait f! or the Collection Department to call to offer the program again." What program??? They send a letter and don't abide by their own contract!!! I called my Congressman and State Attorney General.

Complaint: I just received a check from Advanta in the amount of 127.79 on my business account that is closed (for the same reason everyone else closed - a hiked interest rate to 34.99(!!!!!) Never late, etc. etc. I am afraid to cash it for fear that it will reopen my account, and up my interest even more (if that is even possible! -I'm sure they'll fine a way.) The letter says if cash it, I am releasing Advantao and its parent and subsidiearies from any an all claims and actions that may exist...." WHAT KIND OF NEW SCAM ARE THEY ON TO NOw? Can anyone enlighten me on this matter?

Complaint: This company is charging people extrodinarily high rates by charging their monthly interest calculations to cash advances which is a much higher rate than their advertised rate. I feel this is wrong and possibly illegal since they are not actually advancing any cash.

Complaint: I guess i'm in the same boat as everyone else. My account started with a low apr and stayed that way for about a year ..no problem..then all of a sudden i saw on my bill my interest went up to 39%. I thought it was a type-o so i called, no they said they send me an opt out letter but no letter was received. They said they would call me in 3 months and maybe they could lower it then..NO CALLS so i called them, of course nothing changed September makes a year i've been trying to pay this company off but all that happens is my balance is MORE after i make a payment.. I can't do this anymore i have paid them 3 times over what was owed by them upping the interest. I think this is the all time low for any company especially with all the problems everyone is facing. i am sure they will get their money from the government but what about us?????????????????

Complaint: So many complains, It is time to sue Advanta. Hope everyone knows email dec458@msn.com. He is looking for class action against Advanta. I'll email him my case too. I used electronic payment to pay off balance on my credit card Advanta. It usually requires to schedule 5 business days ahead of due date. What I used to do. Within 12 years of my online payments, I did not have any problems. Advanta posted my paiment in 3 business days after they received and base on this delay they increased my interest rate from 6.9 to 34.99 percent. And minimum payment was doubled too. Customer service of course just shout off telephone, when I tried to get explanation or asked to connect me to their manager. The other way to fight this fraud I am going to do is contact "Consumer Protection Agency". They should hear our voices too. Good Luck to all of us

Complaint: A person who had a contract with me to do the taxes for my company applied for a credit card with her name on it using my Social Security Number and Date of Birth. This person knew I had a credit card with Advanta that had been paid off, and she knew my SSN and DOB for the purpose of doing my taxes. This person applied for the credit card over the internet. She did not know my mother's maiden name so she used the name "Jones", she used a telephone number that has never been a working phone number, her own e-mail address and an incorrect physical a address for the business card. Advanta gave her a card with her name on it, but is holding me responsible for the bills which she ran up to over $40,000 total. To make matters worse, she would make a payment once in a while to keep Advanta from getting too aggressive at calling me. This person then used my business account to make a $2400 payment to Advanta instead of sending my tax payment in. Now I am in trouble with the IRS, and Advanta is saying they did nothing wrong by giving this card. The Patriot Act of 2003 states that the financial institution giving credit to an applicant is responsible for ensuring that the person applying for credit is actually legitimate. What Advanta did was see that there was an application with a valid Social Security number and Credit Score. They did not call me, how could they when the phone number they had on file was not a working phone number. They did not e-mail me because the person applying for the card used an e-mail address that had her name as the sender - obviously her name, not mine. They did not send mail to my business because they did not have the correct address on file. If I called about my card, Advanta would ask for my mother's maiden name, and when I would tell them MY mother's maiden name, I would be told that THAT account was paid in full. What I was NOT being told was that there was another card with my Social Security Number, a DIFFERENT mother's maiden name with a balance reaching over $27,000. This has cost me everything...my house, my business and my credit. And Advanta is saying THEY did nothing wrong!!! Liars. I am pursuing every legal course of action I possibly can against them. ADVANTA HAD THE OBLIGATION TO USE MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ONLY WITH MY KNOWLEDGE, THEY DID NOT DO THIS.

Complaint: Had a 7.99% rate. Was three days late with payment first time ever raised rate to 34.99%. Have signed on for a class action lawsuit. I would consider even boycotting advanta and not paying my monthly payment for three months if others also would rise up and do this. It could possibly cause the collapse of this pirate credit card company seeing how they had to declare bankrupty Nov.9 2009. Is anyone good at running a blog or web site and call it Seeing as how their trying to put me in bankruptcy why not do it to the pirates.

Complaint: My complaint is the same as everyone else's here. These people are incredibly good at doing nothing but F**king people! My question to each and every one of you is 'What are we waiting for to actually get a lawsuit filed against these psycho, greedy bastards?' There HAS to be at least ONE lawyer in this group or somewhere out there willing to take on these behemoth, criminal organizations to get satisfaction for each and every customer that's been screwed. I know I'd be more than happy to 'donate' 75% of my settlement to the lawyer that burns these scumbags.

Complaint: I want to add my 2 cents worth to the almost 400 complaints against Advanta. They offered me a balance transfer rate of 3.99% FOR LIFE... Well, you guessed it, my interest rate is now 36% and I have my state's Attorney General (Consumer Fraud) working on it. Unfortunately, Advanta is stonewalling them too. Someone, please file a class-action lawsuit against these people.

Complaint: After approximately 10 years of timely payments, never late once, Advanta notified me that the most recent, November, payment came in 2 days late and they are exercising their right to adjust the interest rate and removing the promotional rate. They refuse to reveal the new interest rate to me and let me know it will be reflected in my new bill. They also refused to allow me to speak to a Supervisor and would only provide a P.O. Box to write a letter of complaint. I was told that Supervisors do not accept calls. I am already struggling to stay on top of my financial obligations. An increase in the interest rate will add to this burden. I'm making a sincere effort to maintain my good credit rating. Companies like this are pushing our economy deeper into recession with these types of efforts!

Complaint: Well the sting is softened a bit knowing that I am not alone with this company. PLEASE notify me if anyone knows of a class action suit against this company. I want to be included. My story is similar to everyone else's on here... As a Small Business Owner, I purchased some rather expensive equipment with this card knowing the business could certainly handle paying it off in a timely manner UNTIL a few months later! They jacked up my interest rate to 34.99%. I called to ask why (and this is what blew my mind!) THEY COULDN'T/WOULDN'T TELL ME!!!!! Incredible (where are the consumer rights?)! ! And here is the topper... They "closed" my account making it impossible for me to get the rate adjusted. They only thing they ever said was to call back in a few months and check then, which I did and it was the same old story. Let's untie against this shady company. Please contact me and perhaps we all can do something about this!!!!

Complaint: 1/19/10 they also raised my rate to 34.99 and will not lowerit.had some one from india no custmer support in U.S. not even a phone number. still digging for emails and fax numbers to bombard there server with complaints. will join any class action suit against them.

Complaint: If you had an advanta bank business credit card and didn't pay because you couldn't because they jacked-up the interest rates! Advanta went after your personal credit reports. Check all three credit reporting agencies and dispute this fraud! Maybe Trans-Union, Equifax and Experian will catch on to Advanta's fraud! Make sure you send a dispute letter(find online) and immediately send the letter to all three credit companies via: certified mail return/receipt. Keep disputing this. We have to stick together and put this company in it's grave sooner than later.

Complaint: Just wrote my Congresswoman Sue Myrick about Advanta. My story is similar, 7.9% interest goes to 29.9% for a missed payment. (I feel for those that are higher.) Called their non-customer service line in India. What Advanta and other cards are allowed to do is the true xxxxxx attack.(big brother is watching). The system that allows banks to do this is much worse than what other outside forces could ever do. The crisis and collapse of last year is far worse than what our enemies can do to us and our leadership goes along with it. As far as my solution, I paid of! f all but $1 dollar of my balance. I'll just let them pay the postage until I'm ready to pay off the card.