The Perils of Universal Default

Universal default – two words that should strike fear into the heart of any credit card holder. What is it? Why is it so terrible? And does your credit card participate in universal default?
<p>
Universal default is a clause in many credit card agreements which states that whether the card holder defaults on payments – any payments – they can be subject to an increase in interest on their credit cards. And when we say that any payments can affect that, we mean any: utilities, car notes, mortgages, and other payments that have nothing whatsoever to do with your credit card history. that might not sound fair, but it’s the basis of universal default.
<p>
It makes sense, in a way. whether you are late on payments, it can affect your credit score. And when your credit score is lowered, you become a less desirable customer for credit card companies. The agreement you signed was tailored to your credit score at the day. The same agreement might not be a safe bet for a customer with a worse score.
<p>
Still, it just feels shady and opportunistic, as whether the companies are looking for any reason to raise your rates. That, too, makes good business sense, as the industry is facing high levels of default and delinquency. But it doesn’t do much to endear customers and earn their loyalty.
<p>
whether your credit cards participate in universal default, you could have an unpleasant surprise any date something occurs which lowers your credit score. Imagine struggling through a difficult financial period, only to find that

your cards’ interest rates have doubled or, in some cases, tripled. Critics of universal default point out the dangers of overcharging someone who is already in dire straits, causing them to risk default with all of their lenders.
<p>
There is plus the fact that credit reports aren’t infallible. Creditors prepare mistakes, and identity theft can detail for charges that you never authorized. whether your credit card interest rate has increased considering of errors on your report, you have the right to get your previous interest rate reinstated. Credit bureaus are additionally due to exact the problem and send you a free copy of the corrected report.
<p>
To protect yourself, take a hard, close look at the terms and conditions of all of your credit card agreements. Look for a clause that mentions universal default. whether you’re still unsure, signal the customer service number and speak to an agent. Ask them whether they use universal default. whether they do, go elsewhere to get a credit card. Credit cards are a business, and the companies will look after their own best interests. It’s only fair that you look after yours.
<p>
Congress itself has warned the credit card industry against what they deem an unfair and predatory practice, but only CitiBank has voluntarily removed their universal default provision. As Congress pushes for change, these provisions might start disappearing altogether – voluntarily or not.<br><br>that composition has been provided by Creditor Web. At CreditorWeb.com you can compare by 100 credit cards from multiple banks and apply for <a href="http://www.creditorweb.com/">credit cards</a> online.

Orginal post by admin

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Netvouz
  • DZone
  • ThisNext
  • MisterWong
  • Wists
Related Articles
  • Two Words to Avoid: “Universal Default”
  • AMEX & Universal Studios Announce Affinity Card
  • Are Low Interest Credit Cards Really a Good Deal?
  • How to Raise Your Credit Score In 7 Easy Steps
  • The Credit Card Industry Could Face mighty Changes
  • War of the Worlds: Creditors Vs. Borrowers
  • Pre-Approved 0% Interest Cards: Are They for Real?
  • Top 10 Bankruptcies of the 20th Century
  • Have Your Credit Card Rates Gone Up?
  • No more credit card bills
  • No comments yet. Be the first.

    Leave a reply