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M$1 February 20, 2009 11:40 PM

What kinds of secrets/services do banks and/or credit cards offer that they DO NOT ADVERTISE?

For example, I tried to make a payment to my credit card online, but the system claimed it wouldn't take my payment till Monday, one day after the payment was due, resulting in a late fee. With a call to customer service, I was able to make the payment over the phone and they offered to waive the service charge of making a phone payment.

Another time, I wanted a lower interest rate on my card. So I called, asked for it, and got it. Wow!

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February 21, 2009 02:15 AM
All the big credit card companies have special cards they give out to heavy spenders. They aren't really secret anymore, but they aren't advertised. Most commonly you hear about black cards. These are cards for people who pull down over a million dollars per year. The card comes with a low interest rate, and a concierge service for when you are traveling. You can call this person, and they will arrange all sorts of cool stuff that most other people couldn't. They'll book special rooms in hotels, pull strings for concert tickets, and all manner of things for the rich person on the go. Their specialty is helping you spend more of your money.

It's an interesting but true fact that the richest people in the world end up hiring people to spend their money for them.

There are also lower tiers of cards available that don't come with as many benefits. Credit card companies actively recruit these people because they're the type of people who are going to use a credit card. For many rich people, it makes more sense to use a credit card to get access to their money. Then they only have to make one payment every month, and it simplifies their finances.

For secret stuff for the average person, you can sweet talk your way out of any and all fees for anything. There is no real opportunity cost for most bank or credit card fees. They are pulled out of thin air. If you are a loyal customer, and it's more important that they don't lose your business then they are able to waive any and all fees in order to keep you. I wouldn't abuse this tactic because many banks won't listen. However, if you can somehow spin a fee as being the bank or credit card company's own fault then they will pay it.

I had $90 of bank overdraft fees on an account that had more than enough money it. The caveat was that it was in my savings, not my checking. The bank neglected to tell me there was a 30 day "activation waiting period" for filing for the automatic service that would pull money through my savings to my checking whenever it was needed. I told them that whole process was ridiculous, and the proof that I was ignorant of the policy was that it happened in the first place. They waived the fees.
Asker's Rating:
• Lots of great info in there that I didn't know before.


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February 21, 2009 02:39 AM
Fascinating--especially the black card stuff.

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February 21, 2009 01:02 AM
The only thing I have personal experience with is what you've described...even with the economy the way it is, I still get offers from credit card companies offering me credit. There should be nothing stopping me from calling the credit card I have with the highest rate and say I'm switching to this new company unless I get a more reasonable rate. I have actually done that before, as you have, and had success.

It's just key to read the fine print, keep in contact with the credit card company and make sure that nothing gets by you, and when you catch something, don't just ask for the mistake to be fixed, but ask for compensation for the inconvenience -- the worst that can happen is they say no, and I think it's seldom that they don't give you at least a little something for your troubles...

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February 21, 2009 01:59 PM
American Express offers a card reader for $20.00 that you can attach to your computer so you can read and update the information on the magnetic strip on your card. I yet to buy one but I think its a cool idea.

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February 23, 2009 06:33 PM
A lot of times, if you call your credit card and have a problem paying or want a lower interest rate, they will work with you. That is what I always tell people with credit problems...talk to the credit card companies first and see if there is anything that can be done.

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February 23, 2009 07:12 PM
I would have to agree; banks don't want to be in the business of owning homes, either. If you're in a situation where you can't pay your mortgage (either part or all of it) they'd much rather talk to you than see you go dark and into hiding. They're calling for a reason. Yes, they want their money, but they're also probably open to getting it in different ways. For example, they might let you skip a payment (but still rack up interest for the month), or they might agree to a loan modification or forbearance. Just chat with someone friendly. If you don't get someone friendly the first time, hang up and try someone else. Eventually you'll find a kind soul who's willing to help.

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