BBVA Compass ClearPoints Credit Card Review

The BBVA Compass ClearPoints credit card is a relatively new credit card on the market that is presented as solution to the constantly changing rates and terms that many credit card companies have employed in the past and that led to the Credit Card Act of 2009.

The BBVA Compass ClearPoints(TM) credit card offers pricing terms that do not change.  The credit card rate is a variable rate like most all credit cards on the market presently but the margin remains the same.

The ClearPoints credit card form BBVA Compass Bank offers an introductory credit card rate of 1.99% on purchases that lasts for the six months after the opening of a new credit card.  There is also an introductory rate on credit card balance transfers that is between 3.99% and 5.99% based on the credit history of the credit card applicant. 

After the introductory the period, the credit card APR will have a rate based on the Prime Rate plus a margin that is dependent on the credit history of the credit card applicant.  Credit card APRs will vary between 7.24% and 20.24%.  Though the rate is variable, the margin will not change for the life of the card.

There is no default pricing or rates on the credit card and the card comes with no annual fee.  The credit card also comes with free credit bureau monitoring and free identity theft coverage.  Credit card accounts with BBVA Compass come with online account access and available E-mail alerts for credit card monthly payment notices, balance updates and more.

Credit card users can earn reward points with the CompassPoints rewards program
The CompassPoints is a no cost, no fee rewards program offered by the bank for both credit card customers and check card customers. 

Rewards are earned on qualified net purchases.  BBVA Compass Visa or Visa Business credit cardholders earn 1 point for every $1.00 in purchases.  Reward points can be redeemed for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards, hotel certificates, and other travel options such as vacations and cruises.  There is no maximum number of points an account holder can accumulate.

As part of a press release that covered the new card and its features on Dec 17, 2009 the senior executive vice president and head of Retail Banking, Shelaghmichael Brown stated that “They asked for increased transparency and simplicity in credit offerings and with the BBVA Compass ClearPoints(TM) credit card, we’re happy to give them not only that, but also a promise that with this card, we will never change their pricing terms or charge them unexpected fees.”

BBVA Compass credit card products are offered and issued by BBVA Compass, a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc.  BBVA Compass is the 15th largest U.S. commercial bank. BBVA Compass operates 748 bank branches including 401 branches in Texas, 92 bank branches in Alabama, 66 branches in California, 77 locations in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 22 bank branch locations in New Mexico.

Along with credit cards, BBVA offers its customers a full range of financial services, ranging from commercial and wholesale banking and wealth management to retail banking services that includes consumer loans, mortgages, bank CDs, savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts and more.

Wachovia Bank College Visa® Credit Card

Wachovia Bank offers a variety of consumer retail banking services including credit card services.  The Wachovia Bank college credit card is one of the credit cards promoted by Wachovia Bank. 

With the Wachovia Bank College Visa® credit card, credit card account holders can shop online, buy books, pay regular monthly bills, and have access to credit in case of emergencies.

The student credit card is marketed by Wachovia Bank based on a college student’s budget with competitive credit card rates and no annual fee.

This bank credit card from Wachovia also offers 0% liability for unauthorized purchases on the card made through the Visa network and can also come with overdraft protection when the card is linked to a Wachovia Bank checking, savings, or other approved account.

Since this a student Visa credit card, the minimum requirements are that the credit card applicant  must be a U.S. resident, age 18 or older, and a student enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or trade school.

The standard credit card rate is a variable rate set between 13.99% and 19.99%.  The credit card APR will be established when the account is opened and will be determined by the bank’s review of the credit card application and the applicants credit history.

There is no annual fee with the credit card.  The card will have standard fees and charges for credit card cash advances, credit card balance transfers, over the credit card limit, late payments and more.  Credit card rates, credit card fees, and terms may change at anytime. 

The Wachovia Bank card also comes with free online account access that allows account holders to view card charges, transfer funds, and other services pertaining to the credit card account.

Choosing the best credit card and the best credit card rate is important for existing card holders as well as students; by comparing the best bank credit cards online it is easy and convenient to choose the right credit card for your needs.

The Wachovia Bank college credit card can be applied for online over the phone at 866-327-6214 or by filling in a credit card application form which is also available online.  Credit cards are subject to approval by Wachovia Card Services.