"Our Experience..."
Tribute® Gold MasterCard® Credit Card Review
Written by: mom2parker on 2008-08-14
Overall Satisfaction
Customer Service
Rewards
Account Management
Delivery Time
mom2parker's review: 
A year ago, my husband applied for this card and was approved. Yes, it came with a hefty annual fee and a monthly fee as well, but we were glad that someone was willing to take a chance with us.
We started out at $300. After 5 months, we got a small increase of $50, bumping us to $350. A few months after that, we got a $100 increase, taking us to $450. Just the other day, we hit the year mark and they charged us the $150 fee. I had expected to see another increase, but nothing showed up. I was initially disappointed... Until I logged in this evening and saw that they credited us $50 of the annual fee... AND... Gave us a $150 increase, bringing us to $600 now!!! We were very pleased.
We have never had any problems with them posting payments and I always mail them in and get the credit within 4-5 days. We have only had to call once and that was to request an additional card for myself, so we don't have much experience with the Customer Service part of it. We were initially scared to try them out since I had read a lot of bad reviews. But it seems that some people do have good experiences with them and we certainly have. They took a chance on us and we are grateful for it.
A year ago, my husband applied for this card and was approved. Yes, it came with a hefty annual fee and a monthly fee as well, but we were glad that someone was willing to take a chance with us. We started out at $300. After 5 months, we got a small increase of $50, bumping us to $350. A few months after that, we got a $100 increase, taking us to $450. Just the other day, we hit the year mark and they charged us the $150 fee. I had expected to see another increase, but nothing showed up. I was initially disappointed... Until I logged in this evening and saw that they credited us $50 of the annual fee... AND... Gave us a $150 increase, bringing us to $600 now!!! We were very pleased.
We have never had any problems with them posting payments and I always mail them in and get the credit within 4-5 days. We have only had to call once and that was to request an additional card for myself, so we don't have much experience with the Customer Service part of it. We were initially scared to try them out since I had read a lot of bad reviews. But it seems that some people do have good experiences with them and we certainly have. They took a chance on us and we are grateful for it.
17 Comments
Comment 1 by arod
Ok 
on 2008-08-14
I would like to recommend two banks that might help rebuild faster.
WWW. CAPITALONE. COM
ALSO
WWW. ORCHARDBANK. COM
www.Hooterscard.com -Mastercard
I don't think you need to make deposit.
These bank are good for credit repair.
Good Luck to you,
Alex
on 2008-08-14 I would like to recommend two banks that might help rebuild faster.WWW. CAPITALONE. COM
ALSO
WWW. ORCHARDBANK. COM
www.Hooterscard.com -Mastercard
I don't think you need to make deposit.
These bank are good for credit repair.
Good Luck to you,
Alex
Comment 2 by thomas1
CONGRATS on 2008-08-14
Congrats on your credit line increase from Tribute. Sometimes we never hear enough about all the positive experiences with different issuers, credit situations, etc. We hear a lot about the negative. It is nice that your experience has been an ongoing good one.
I agree with Arod, try Cap One, and Orchard. You will more than likely be approved by them, and possibly Cap One. I know that Cap One really grows with you. Orchard is a little slower as far as increases, and you have to ask, but Orchard approves easier than Cap One.
Good luck with your rebuild!
on 2008-08-14 Congrats on your credit line increase from Tribute. Sometimes we never hear enough about all the positive experiences with different issuers, credit situations, etc. We hear a lot about the negative. It is nice that your experience has been an ongoing good one. I agree with Arod, try Cap One, and Orchard. You will more than likely be approved by them, and possibly Cap One. I know that Cap One really grows with you. Orchard is a little slower as far as increases, and you have to ask, but Orchard approves easier than Cap One.
Good luck with your rebuild!
Comment 3 by cireone
Credit Building on 2008-08-14
Well, if you decide to try out Orchard Bank, they have different ways of applying fees depending on your credit review. It was my second card since defaulting with Citi and they approved me for $300 but I ad to pay a $19 processin fee before I received the card. Ive heard of ohers just applying and getting the card. Butif anything Orchard and Cap1 are good cards to rebuild. Cap1 is what I favor. I got my first car with them and it was a Standard Platinum with no AF, 16% apr. Thats great to rebuild with.
on 2008-08-14 Well, if you decide to try out Orchard Bank, they have different ways of applying fees depending on your credit review. It was my second card since defaulting with Citi and they approved me for $300 but I ad to pay a $19 processin fee before I received the card. Ive heard of ohers just applying and getting the card. Butif anything Orchard and Cap1 are good cards to rebuild. Cap1 is what I favor. I got my first car with them and it was a Standard Platinum with no AF, 16% apr. Thats great to rebuild with.
Comment 4 by mom2parker
Our Experience... on 2008-08-14
We got this card in December of 07. $300 limit and it's still at the $300 limit. We have never paid late and never gone over the limit. I had hoped for an increase after 6 months, but didn't get anything, so maybe they aren't automatic? We usually pay in full, but the last couple months we carried a small balance so they could make a couple bucks off of us and I thought maybe we'd get an increase that way... But it didn't work. Now it's paid in full and will stay that way.
So all in all, we have:
Tribute (just hit the year mark) $600 limit
Orchard Bank (opened Dec 07) $300 limit
Capital One (only had for about a week now) $300 limit
on 2008-08-14 We got this card in December of 07. $300 limit and it's still at the $300 limit. We have never paid late and never gone over the limit. I had hoped for an increase after 6 months, but didn't get anything, so maybe they aren't automatic? We usually pay in full, but the last couple months we carried a small balance so they could make a couple bucks off of us and I thought maybe we'd get an increase that way... But it didn't work. Now it's paid in full and will stay that way.So all in all, we have:
Tribute (just hit the year mark) $600 limit
Orchard Bank (opened Dec 07) $300 limit
Capital One (only had for about a week now) $300 limit
Comment 5 by arod
OK In Time.. on 2008-08-14
Well then in time you will have good credit. I while ago I had bad credit and I fix it so in time it will happen
You doing the right thing in rebuilding your credit Congrats,
Alex
on 2008-08-14 Well then in time you will have good credit. I while ago I had bad credit and I fix it so in time it will happen You doing the right thing in rebuilding your credit Congrats,
Alex
Comment 6 by mrrob
Hang In There on 2008-08-14
Just keep paying those cards on time, eventually your FICOs will go higher.
on 2008-08-14 Just keep paying those cards on time, eventually your FICOs will go higher.
Comment 7 by mrrob
Congrats On Your Card on 2008-08-14
I'm with all the rest, it would be nice if you could get a cap 1 and a Hooters card. They don't charge the fees that Tribute charges
on 2008-08-14 I'm with all the rest, it would be nice if you could get a cap 1 and a Hooters card. They don't charge the fees that Tribute charges
Comment 8 by thomas1
ORCHARD AND CAPITAL ONE on 2008-08-15
Hello Mom2parker,
With Orchard Bank, here's the backdoor number that's been on this board for quite some time. I have an HSBC CashRewards and an Orchard Platinum I've had for 4 years.
Every 3 months, I call this backdoor number to get increased. They only increase by 100$, but I call and get it every 3 months like clockwork. Orchard rarely auto increases any accounts. I started out on this particular card at 500$, and its only at 1,400$ but since I found this number here, they have always given it to me. The backdoor number to Orchard is 1-800-395-6090. This is a number to senior account managers who have more power and authorization than the number on the back of your card. Anyway, I would call and ask for an increase if you so desire.
on 2008-08-15 Hello Mom2parker,With Orchard Bank, here's the backdoor number that's been on this board for quite some time. I have an HSBC CashRewards and an Orchard Platinum I've had for 4 years.
Every 3 months, I call this backdoor number to get increased. They only increase by 100$, but I call and get it every 3 months like clockwork. Orchard rarely auto increases any accounts. I started out on this particular card at 500$, and its only at 1,400$ but since I found this number here, they have always given it to me. The backdoor number to Orchard is 1-800-395-6090. This is a number to senior account managers who have more power and authorization than the number on the back of your card. Anyway, I would call and ask for an increase if you so desire.
Comment 9 by thomas1
Cap One on 2008-08-15
Since you've just had your cap one for just a week, look for the credit steps letter you should get in the mail within 2 weeks of getting your card. You should get one since you're rebuilding. It will tell you that in order to get the increase of usually 200$, you must use your card within the first 90 days, don't go overlimit, and make 3 consecutive on time payments. Then your increase usually kicks in before your 5th statement. In some cases, it usually is before then. I got mine in April 08, limit of 1k, now up to 4k. Here's the backdoor number for them also 1-877-513-9959. I would wait at least 6 weeks with some good card usage before calling them for an increase. Make some online payments to show them you're using it. Then call the number and tell them you'd like to make Cap One the #1 card you carry. That's what I did, and got several nice increases from them. Some people have done that from this forum and got the same results. Hopefully, it will work for you also
Let us know how it goes with both cards. Cap One doesn't charge for a CLI, but Orchard will charge anywhere from $10-15$ as a fee for each CLI. It has been my experience talking to these managers from Orchard and Cap One is that they like heavy usage and multiple payments. But make sure your balance doesn't exceed 30% of your total credit line at statement closing. Thats a good rule of utilization with any card.
I'm sure other members will share their experiences with both of these issuers and how they have been helped as well.
Good Luck, and Good Job!
on 2008-08-15 Since you've just had your cap one for just a week, look for the credit steps letter you should get in the mail within 2 weeks of getting your card. You should get one since you're rebuilding. It will tell you that in order to get the increase of usually 200$, you must use your card within the first 90 days, don't go overlimit, and make 3 consecutive on time payments. Then your increase usually kicks in before your 5th statement. In some cases, it usually is before then. I got mine in April 08, limit of 1k, now up to 4k. Here's the backdoor number for them also 1-877-513-9959. I would wait at least 6 weeks with some good card usage before calling them for an increase. Make some online payments to show them you're using it. Then call the number and tell them you'd like to make Cap One the #1 card you carry. That's what I did, and got several nice increases from them. Some people have done that from this forum and got the same results. Hopefully, it will work for you alsoLet us know how it goes with both cards. Cap One doesn't charge for a CLI, but Orchard will charge anywhere from $10-15$ as a fee for each CLI. It has been my experience talking to these managers from Orchard and Cap One is that they like heavy usage and multiple payments. But make sure your balance doesn't exceed 30% of your total credit line at statement closing. Thats a good rule of utilization with any card.
I'm sure other members will share their experiences with both of these issuers and how they have been helped as well.
Good Luck, and Good Job!
Comment 10 by thomas1
Orchard on 2008-08-15
I just saw you have had Orchard since 12/07'. It is definitely time for a CLI on that account.
Try calling the backdoor number I gave you previously, you should get it.
Let us know how it works out.
Take Care!
Thomas
on 2008-08-15 I just saw you have had Orchard since 12/07'. It is definitely time for a CLI on that account. Try calling the backdoor number I gave you previously, you should get it.
Let us know how it works out.
Take Care!
Thomas
Comment 11 by mom2parker
Correction To Comment #4... on 2008-08-15
Comment #4 was my review about the ORCHARD BANK card, but it got moved to here. So just so every one knows... The card I'm talking about there is OB.
on 2008-08-15 Comment #4 was my review about the ORCHARD BANK card, but it got moved to here. So just so every one knows... The card I'm talking about there is OB.
Comment 12 by cfmdev49
The Main Thing Is... on 2008-08-15
Don't ever be late on a payment... Even if you can only do the minimum the quickest way to sink your score is to pay late... Since I pay everything online... Sometimes I'll make 2 payments a month to a creditor... In any event, congrats on the card!
on 2008-08-15 Don't ever be late on a payment... Even if you can only do the minimum the quickest way to sink your score is to pay late... Since I pay everything online... Sometimes I'll make 2 payments a month to a creditor... In any event, congrats on the card!
Comment 13 by yoyo11
I'm Glad on 2008-08-15
That you have good experiences with this card. My annual was in April. I'm looking for another CLI w/Tribute in Sept.09. Started off w/$300 no $760. Like you they waive $50 off the annual. Please keep us posted on this card in the future.cfmedev49 you're right. Never,... Ever... Ever... Ever be late w/a credit card. So far so good with me... But I've seen the damage to a friend of mine.
on 2008-08-15 That you have good experiences with this card. My annual was in April. I'm looking for another CLI w/Tribute in Sept.09. Started off w/$300 no $760. Like you they waive $50 off the annual. Please keep us posted on this card in the future.cfmedev49 you're right. Never,... Ever... Ever... Ever be late w/a credit card. So far so good with me... But I've seen the damage to a friend of mine.
Comment 14 by mom2parker
OB Backdoor Number... on 2008-08-15
Thanks for the information on the backdoor number for OB. My husband just called this evening and he got a $100 increase, bringing us up to $400 for Orchard Bank! Thanks so much!
on 2008-08-15 Thanks for the information on the backdoor number for OB. My husband just called this evening and he got a $100 increase, bringing us up to $400 for Orchard Bank! Thanks so much!
Comment 15 by thomas1
ORCHARD CLI on 2008-08-17
Congrats mom2parker on your cli with orchard. Glad the backdoor number worked for you. I was sure you'd get it. Keep that number for future requests for cli's and account assistance.
Good rule of thumb for requesting those from Orchard is to wait every 3-4 months with some card usage, and you should continue getting them. Usually a fee of 10-15$ is charged for each cli.
Again, Congrats!! Every bit counts.
on 2008-08-17 Congrats mom2parker on your cli with orchard. Glad the backdoor number worked for you. I was sure you'd get it. Keep that number for future requests for cli's and account assistance.Good rule of thumb for requesting those from Orchard is to wait every 3-4 months with some card usage, and you should continue getting them. Usually a fee of 10-15$ is charged for each cli.
Again, Congrats!! Every bit counts.
Comment 16 by d-fi
Congrats on 2008-09-18
Wished I had the same luck. I have had the Card for over a year. Made all my payments on time, but yet they feel like I don't deserve an increase in my credit line. I mean come on? I have been paying off the bills every month, some times a week early before the due date, and still when I asked bout the credit increase, they keep telling me (in another language of course), that I wasn't qualified for the increase of line of credit. "Because I haven't been with the Tribute Card Services long enough to get an increase" But for what ever reason I keep holding on to them thinking that someday I will get the increase..
on 2008-09-18 Wished I had the same luck. I have had the Card for over a year. Made all my payments on time, but yet they feel like I don't deserve an increase in my credit line. I mean come on? I have been paying off the bills every month, some times a week early before the due date, and still when I asked bout the credit increase, they keep telling me (in another language of course), that I wasn't qualified for the increase of line of credit. "Because I haven't been with the Tribute Card Services long enough to get an increase" But for what ever reason I keep holding on to them thinking that someday I will get the increase..
Comment 17 by tribute01
Tribute Cancelled The Card on 2008-10-24
I've had this card for about six months now. I requested it for getting rental cars for travel as I use mass transit. I have made all of my payments on time, sometimes twice a month. Last week they increased my credit limit to $350!!! Due to my timely payments. Today I get a notice that my charging priviledges are being permanently revoked and can no longer use this card. All because I went over the limit by $24. I have been on other blogs today and many Tribute card holders are stating the same thing. I guess I wouldn't be so pissed, but $150 is lot of $$$ to be ripped off for in today's economy.
on 2008-10-24 I've had this card for about six months now. I requested it for getting rental cars for travel as I use mass transit. I have made all of my payments on time, sometimes twice a month. Last week they increased my credit limit to $350!!! Due to my timely payments. Today I get a notice that my charging priviledges are being permanently revoked and can no longer use this card. All because I went over the limit by $24. I have been on other blogs today and many Tribute card holders are stating the same thing. I guess I wouldn't be so pissed, but $150 is lot of $$$ to be ripped off for in today's economy.
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Disclaimer: This content is not provided by First Bank of Delaware. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by First Bank of Delaware. Review content is powered by Finance Globe.
