Providian Real Rewards offers some new pitch for card back card lovers, at least according to CardWeb report.
First, Real Rewards customers "have free online access to their "FICO" credit score, a score simulator, and a supporting credit information summary."
Second, Providian rewards behaviors like carrying a revolving balance (10 points for each $100 in revolving balances every billing cycle) and paying on time (500 points for every six consecutive on-time payments).
However, it sounds very stranger when I try to do more homework on this card. There is only one page regarding the card in the Providian web site. It sounds like Real Rewards is a guarded secret and you can only get more details if you call the number 1-800-775-8382 or submit an online form (which is designed in such a way that will leak your email address). You can find no term and conditions, and you cannot apply online.
This makes me scratching my head: does Prividian really want people to try it out? Or this is a scam to collect email addresses? (There is no privacy disclosure about how they will use the email addresses.) Hopefully it is just another mismanaged marketing campaign.
(This post is part of PFBlog Product Review series. Check out more reviews here.)