The first time I called the customer service number on Providian I knew they were "different". It just seemed somewhat convoluted, when you punch in the numbers for what you want to hear they always want you to know how much credit you have available, the system often makes you wait for some 10 or 20 seconds before giving you info, et cetera. It just isn't as smooth & clear as
some of the biggies (mbna, chase, etc..)

Also their number will not give you 24 hour service beyond things that can be done by the computer, which can irritate those of us who like to get up & do balance transfers at 1 am. Or check to find out what my interest IS.

the other thing is that they Really Really love to send you all these free checks telling you how you have Free Money Coming! I think sometimes they filled them out with an amount even! It didn't tell you these were at exhorbitant cash advance rates, you had to call someone to find out what they really cost. (and only during certain hours). But, I had them cancel any free checks to me.

I stay with them cos I have a 7.9% card but now I need to try paying it off. To be fair, now that I've figured out their on line system is okay & I can pay it efficiently. Just beware if you need to ask questions of someone.