All too often, companies take data security far too casually. I guess they assume nothing is going to happen. |
Consolidation makes it easier for these anti-consumer policies to take hold. |
I think people expect government agencies to protect their personal financial information more than private industry. As this shows, that's not the case. They're just as sloppy. |
If a consumer is paying late, or not making credit card payments, they know that before it hits a credit report. The only thing this might be a safeguard against is some kind of fraud -- and my understanding is that the credit reporting agencies have safeguards. |
If you make a couple of late payments on a new card with an introductory rate, ... your annual percentage rate could jump as much as 15 percentage points. |
In essence you incurred the balance while you were much more credit worthy in the eyes of the credit card company. |
In the long run, it's a good thing for the consumer. |
Lenders are increasingly using risk-based pricing to make loans. If you don't find out your credit score, check your credit report and correct mistakes, you're going to be totally in the dark, and run the risk of paying far higher interest rates on loans. |
That's a safety issue. There is no question about that. |
The banking industry has become so competitive that there are widespread free accounts out there with no conditions whatsoever. |
There's no reason for someone to have a bounce-protection plan. Seek out the overdraft-protection plan. |
This is not brain surgery. This is common sense. I'm baffled. I really am. |
We would have preferred the new rates be phased in over a year or two, so consumers had a chance to adjust to it. It's going to be sticker shock, especially because it hits right after Christmas. |