CREDIT CARDS: Give me your experience and advice.

[Ron Green]

We have one credit card left, an MBNA with "since 1977" on it. Despite this almost 30-year account, they're still treating us badly. Do you know of a card company that's socially/environmentally friendly with which we can replace this instrument of Satan? Tell me what you're using, and give me some recommendations.

[eyesroll]

1. Find a credit union.

I have a credit union card -- no annual fee, cash back, low interest (I don't carry a balance, but if I had to, it wouldn't be terrible). Really good service both times I had to report a card lost/stolen (once for each).

[Ron Green]

5. Thanks - I have called a CU just now, and it sounds like they've got

just what we need.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. Credit Union

As long as you pay off the credit card every 20 days, any credit card would work. (used to be a month, but isn't anymore). However, credit unions are the way to go.

Also get all of the terms in writing. Telemarketers lie.

[LaurenG]

3. Juniper has a democrats credit card with great rates

I didn't get one but remember that much about it.

[dr.strangelove]

4. Credit Cards, if not abused, are about the same

The interest rate difference can be substantial, and is probably what you should go for. I have had a citicard for over 20 years too. I don;t get any special treatment for it. We got rid of our credit debt and killed the other cards. I kept this one just because we bank at citibank through my employment and the ATM is on my way to work.

[Saphire]

6. best advise??? get rid of credit cards altogether. I got rid of mine

10 years ago, and life is great without one.

[LynneSin]

7. I would never get rid of my credit card but switch primarily to debit card

I like not carrying cash because with cash I have no clue how I'm spending my money whereas with plastic there is a paper trail that helps me organize my expenses much better.

Credit cards, a long long time ago, were used for emergencies only but lately emergencies sometime end up being a bigger TV, nicer clothes or a latte from starbucks. The poster above you gave the best advise - there is no such thing as a "good" credit card. They're all going to hit you with rates, hidden charges and other things especially if you screw up once or twice.

So keep the Credit card for true emergencies like your car broke down or your flight got cancelled. And use your debit card for day to day purchases

[huskerlaw]

10. How do you

buy plane tickets online or reserve hotel rooms??

I'm down to one credit card and have made huge strides in getting rid of the balance, but I can't see being credit-card free...mostly because of travel.

[Saphire]

11. if I can't pay cash.....I don't get it. I keep a savings account for the

emergency's, plus, I get interest instead of paying interest.

[huskerlaw]

12. Unfortunately

the travel I do is mostly for work. I have to be able to reserve a hotel room and buy a plane ticket online. Paying cash isn't an option.

Guess I have to keep one card. :(

[Saphire]

13. you could use a debit card....my hubby does all the time for his travel.

don't get into the mindset that you have to have one. There are really millions of people who dont have them anymore. I keep a separate account with $$$$ and he keeps a debit card for just that purpose. He can rent cars, hotels, and I guess buy a plane ticket if needed.

[riona]

8. I got rid of my MBNA card too

First of all, I always paid the full amount on time. However, when they decided to raise the interest rates, they sent out a notice along with a revised fee structure. Maybe it was just me, but it was worded in a way that sounded like they were setting up extra restrictions for a criminal rather than a customer in good standing.

[AlCzervik]

9. We've had an mbna card since 87 and compared to Chase they seem like

angels. Stay far, far away from Chase.

[mcar]

14. Credit union is the way to go

Our credit union has our Visa, our mortgage and our car loan. They have always been fair.

We actually got a Working Assets card about a year ago because they give 1% back to groups like Doctors Without Borders. I closed it when I realized it was MBNA. I was really disappointed that Working Assets would align themselves with those leeches.

[POed_Ex_Repub]

15. It depends....

Do you like Bank of America?

MBNA isn't MBNA anymore...

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060421/NEWS/604210344/1006