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Apr 10, 2008 -- Credit cards milk you by switching from floating to fixed rates

RIP-OFF ALERT: Are you among the 70% of Americans who runs a balance on your credit cards? Your credit card issuer may be sneaking a rate change via a legalese statement that could show up with your next statement.

Here's the story: When interest rates started going up 3 years ago, issuers realized they could make more money by converting fixed-rate cards to variable-rate ones. So sure enough Clark started getting calls about that phenomenon.

Now they're doing the opposite thing as interest rates are declining. Dow Jones reports that Capital One has been doing this on new accounts only.

In theory, Clark has no problems with banks raising the rates on their credit cards to 1,000% on future purchases. Of course, it wouldn't be right to raise them retroactively on purchases you've already charged up.

If your issuer tries the latter tactic, you'll be hurting if you carry a balance. That's why you need to be in the 30% who don't carry revolving debt on their credit cards. Remember, the banks can't hurt you unless you give them permission to do so through your debt.


Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.

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What others are saying

  • Advanta credit card
    I received my 9/08 and my rate had doubled. No lates and a 700 credit score. They said it was a combination factors to include the economy. What can I do? They say they can change at their preference. What kind of crap is this?
  • Advanta Bank raises interest rate without notification
    Put Advanta Bank into the same pile as the rest of those banks who decide to soak the consumer. The transfer of an existing account to their card on a tickler rate and an APR lower than the current rate was the promise. However, Advanta raised the rate 100% without notification. When I called to question the reason, as we were never late nor never missed a payment, we were told the "purchase rate" had increased and Advanta was only raising the rate after keeping their rate low for as long as they could. Instead of a slow rate increase, they decided to make one giant leap to cover their costs. While I can agree the new purchase rate may be adjusted, the existing balance was also raised. Advanta would not budge on the increase but I was told I could "opt out" of the increase by sending them a letter and not to make an purchases on the card. I did this but informed them I would be writing Clark Howard to get the word out.

    Thanks for all you do Clark.

    Sincerely,

    Mark Huey
  • Washington Mutual
    June 2008, Washington Mutual is offering a card if you do a balance transfer, of 0% interest on purchases till 2010. The balance transfer is charged 8.9% which is 1% cheaper than the Credit Union where I have my card. Is this a good deal or not?
  • Credit Card Rates
    What happened to the usury maximum in Calif. there used to be a max rate ?
  • Marie'sTransferring balances
    Watch for fees for the transfer, expiration of the intro rate, and be sure your never late with a payment or it will go throught the roof. Also watch for the interest rate charged on new purchases since payments will go to the lower rate balances first.
  • Bank Rates
    It's time that this country sucked it up and tightened down on the banking industry. The way that they are allowed to run roughshod over the consumer is nothing short of criminal. Legalized but still criminal from a moral standpoint. The Fed should let banks who make poor decisions suffer the way that their customers have to suffer. Leet them fail if they are failing. Nobody will bail out the small businessman if he fails.
  • Transferring balances to other credit cards
    I would like to know what to look out for - have been swamped with offers to transfer high-interest balances to low-interest cards - what are the things I should look for to make sure these offers are legitimate?
  • Zack's comments rude?
    I would like to say that I think Zack Toomey's comments were right on the mark - not rude. Too many people (like Tony) can't understand that piling up debt is a viscious snowball which often results in filing for bankrupcy, and making everyone else pay for your mistakes. It's just a matter of self discipline.
  • Scamming Banks
    While I'm not old enough to have lived thru the Depression, I had an Uncle that never trusted banks. While he's been dead for years, it turns out he was far smarter than most stockbrokers.

    His warning against banks has served me well these years. I never let myself be put into a position where they can screw me.
  • Credit card interest changes
    Years ago I opted for a fixed rate. This does not change unless I miss a payment, you can be sure that if I ever carry over a small balance, I never miss that payment.
  • Zack Toomey's comments
    Zack, that's great that you're so proud of yourself for not EVERY paying interest to the credit card companies. Your rude comments about "getting a clude" and "stop sniveling" just show what a smarmy self-absorbed jerk you are. Why don't you punch the poor quadriplegic guy who's in debt for over $60,000 and laugh at him while you're at it?

    Tony
  • fixed rates
    so can they change the terms in the middle of the game if you didn't do anything wrong- ie: make late pmts, etc.
  • Late fees
    Helen, it seems almost all credit card companies have found a way around the 25 day rule. You'll find that if you pay after the due date but before 25 days, you'll have a late fee but no interest. Congress enacted the 25 day rule several decades ago under the Truth In Lending Act, but there's nothing to stop these thieves from upping the due date and charging outrageous late fees.
  • Credit card rates are irrelevant to me
    I think Clark will agree with my credit card philosophy - "If you can't afford to pay your balance in full each month, you can't afford to have a credit card". Since I'm among the 30%, I don't know or care what my rate is. I've never paid the banks one bloody dime in interest on my credit card! So quit sniveling and get a clue people!!
  • Credit cards milk you by switching from floating to fixed rates
    Dear Clark & Co-Is this just another way to herd customers over to debit cards?
  • Debt
    You get yourself into debt so don't expect the government to get you out or "look after you" - that is not the purpose of government. Live within your means.
  • Credit cards milk you by switching from floating to fixed rates
    I am one of the 70% but soon will be one of the 30%. Thanks for all of your sound advice in the past.
  • Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover!!
    I finally did what Clark said years ago- I started paying off all my debt in January-- by snowballing the debt. Once I paid off the smallest bill I used that payment on the next larger one and so on. Dave Ramsey also recommends this (DaveRamsey.com). Since January 08 I have paid off 15k of debt of my 28k of debt. I have never had a budget in my life and I can't believe I am doing this!
    Soon no credit card debt! I also have 1k in savings for emergencies.... CC companies are the worst---I am outta there. Cash rules!
  • Capital One Interest Rates
    Don't trust Capital One and would never get one of their cards.
  • rates
    I have always paid 8.99%. my card interset jumped to 23%.I Got mail from providian increasing my rate to 31%.I am always paid on time and have good credit score 660-680
  • RIP.OFF
    I.SAY.IF.A.PERSON.CANT.HANDLE.A.CARD.THEN.DONT.GET.ONE.ALL.THOUGH.THERE.ARE.SOME.FOKS.THAT.CAN.MANAGE.THEM.I.DO.REMEND.PAY.IN.FULL.EACH.MONTH.IF.POSSBLE.NOT.EVERY.CAN.TRY.TO.WACH.YOUR.SPENDING.HABITS.THATS.MY.PERSONAL.ADVICE
  • Capital One - LIBOR variable rate
    I always paid as soon as received bill..
    interest rate went from 14.90% to 19.90%
    variable (both) I called they gave me a
    2 month at 14.9% after that will base rate on LIBOR do not understand....what is the better deal, Yes, I know neither...I use for emergency only and have a very small balance. Please advise amethystdukkoor@yahoo.com
  • credit card debt
    Clark and others,

    Thanks for all your advice. I need help badly. I'm currently $60,000 in c.c. debt and can't stop the spiral. I'm a quadriplegic who works within the nasty medicare/medicade system that doesn't allow you to work without getting penalized. I have 3 boys, 8, 5 & 2 and my wife works and watches 2 of my nephews 3 days a week. The van I drive takes $100 to fill it. That's just an example of what I face each day. I swear if I could get out of this debt, I'd never use another card again. HELP! Thanks... if you have advice, please email me @ theowillcj@yahoo.com
  • Capital One Bank
    Very annoyed with the subject. Chase and BankAmerica both reduced rates but Capital raised the rate. Will you comment on this?
  • Credit Card Balance
    I found early in my working life (20's) that paying off credit cards lifted my spirits, having credit card debt more that 2-3 months depresses me. Car payments and mortgages don't cause depression.
    Others may have this problem (depression with credit card debt) and not realize it.
  • int. rate on credit cards
    This is really scary. Is there a way that this can be avoided????
  • Cut them up, folks......
    Using credit cards is like playing with snakes. You will get bitten....

    If you do not have a credit card, you do not have to worry about the interest rates they charge, late fees they charge, late posting. Oh... but I get points or miles. (yes, that will make you wealthy...

    Banks issues credit cards, so that they can make MONEY... off of your back and the merchant....duh.... The only winner in this game the BANK.

    Actually Clark stinks on this topic with his promotion of credit cards, building credit score, etc.
  • Look out for yourself!
    As a republican, I look out for myself. Live within your means and do not rely on credit. The government should not be in the credit card business. This country was built by independant hard workers who took care of themselves. My father was a self taught man and taught me the same.
  • Credit Card rip offs
    I think someone should step in and regulate the Credit Card companies....
    When Retardicans run the show no one looks out for us.
  • credit card debt
    We went through credit counseling services and are free of credit card debt, it took us 4.5 years instead of 5 it is a wonderful feeling to get rid of the credit card debt. it was a struggle at times but we did it.we have no more late fees on any thing it is amazing how much more we can save for retirement.
  • credit card interest
    Years ago one could deduct credit card interest but the gov't stopped it. Probably because it lowered too many peoples taxes. :(
  • hospital insurance
    I have aarp health insurance ,hospital stay after 2nd day $700.00 day . I was in the hospital for 18 days . I sent in my claims and now I receving letters from aarp want to know all my doctors , pass history for 2005 , want me to sign the releases back three yr and list all my doctors and hospital. I do not feel good about siging all the documents they sent me to sign . I feel a snake in the bag so they do hot have to pay me $11.200 do to me . What do you think ? I am not signing these docutments till clark tells me to ??
  • No CC Debt
    Kicked the monster off my back a long time ago. What a wonderful feeling not owing money to a bunch of greedy suits. haha
  • interest rate
    "Clark has no problems with banks raising the rates on their credit cards to 1,000% on future purchases."

    How can clark claim his radio show posistion while haveing no qualms with usury?
  • credit card late fees.
    I am a member of Sam's Club and buy gas there on my credit card and the billing date and the due date in only about 12 days turn around time from Ga to NC. They charge me late fees.I pay in full. Shouldn't they have at least 25 days turn around time? Any recommendations?
  • Credit card interest...
    Deduct credit card interest??? Let's not give people any more incentive to go into debt.
  • Jason, are you serious?
    Jason, we don't need to reward people for getting massively in debt. How about paying off your cards so you don't have any interest.
    Almost 4 years here with no credit cards, thus I could care less what credit cards are charging.
  • credit
    excellent information
  • Stay out of debt
    Key to this is just like Clark says. Spend within your means. I figured that out the hard way and I am now out of credit card debt and a lot happier
  • Credit Card
    That is all we need more govt. control. Look how many people take a vow in marriage and how often it fails. Get real Jason.
  • credit card interest
    Why don't we MAKE congress pass a law that allows us to deduct credit card interest? And why don't all of us take a vow to get out of credit card debt and help each other stay out of debt.
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