| Where Have Bad Credit Cards Gone |
| By Credit Federal |
Published
08/29/2007
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Credit Card
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Sub-Prime Credit Card Websites
In recent weeks, several bad credit credit card offers for sub-prime consumers were yanked from broad-based internet marketing. Those credit card websites are still online, but are now more difficult to find since affiliate marketing partnerships have been terminated. So why are those credit cards still available online, but why aren't other financial websites allowed to advertise them?
This question can be answered in just one word: Liability.
Although sub-prime cards are specifically developed to be credit cards for bad credit people, it's becoming an increasing problem for issuers to target credit card marketing efforts toward such people. Just as it's inappropriate for a company to create advertisements to specifically favor a race, credit card issuers are shying away from marketing specifically to a sub-prime group because it may appear they are preying upon the needy.
What's wrong with credit card issuers marketing specifically to bad credit people? Actually, this is not a problem. What the problem is; however, is how the credit card is marketed (presented) to such bad credit consumers. While the actual credit card issuers work hard to fully disclose the Terms and Conditions of their card offers, their affiliate partners; however, are not as detailed and some; unfortunately, will actuall resort to misrepresentation in order to generate new customers and subsequent sales commissions.
In such instances, the credit card issuers must take action which; generally, means monitoring or terminating affiliate website partnerships. This makes it difficult for consumers to locate those credit cards and they may even settle for competitor cards with less features. Simultaneously its more difficult for issuers to compete against other issuers who still use affiliate website advertising.
It's a difficult balancing act. Credit card issuers must reach the consumers who would accept their card offers, while also complying with federal regulations and monitoring affiliate partner websites to ensure they are also in compliance.
What's bad about 'bad credit'? Bad credit people; by large, know they cannot qualify for a high limit credit card with a low interest rate. So, instead of wasting their time by reviewing every 'credit card' on the market, they will narrow their search to a 'bad credit credit card'. Issuers who offer such cards must direct searches for a 'bad credit credit card' to their websites, either by advertising on search engines, getting a natural listing by using the 'bad credit' words on their website, or by employing affiliate partner marketing. The potential liability for targeting the words 'bad credit', implies that the credit card will be issued without question to bad credit people. Typically; however, there is a sub-clause that lists certain conditions for approval, and there is no blanket guarantee that every applicant will be approved. If not careful; and if Terms and Conditions are not clearly disclosed, a credit card issuer could be accused of deceptive marketing. Recently, one such credit card issuer (Premier Bank) settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit that had accused them of deceptive marketing practices.
This problem is not limited to credit card companies, either. The marketing practices of mortgage companies are also being scrutinized. Even payday loan companies; which have long been under federal scrutiny, may feel even greater pressure.
The quest for bad credit credit cards. If you use a major search engine, you will likely find millions of resources and most of which may be affiliate partner sites. Though they still have advertisements for the bad credit cards on their sites, those ad links may no longer function so be prepared to continue your search if you don't know the direct website address. To assist consumers, CreditFederal.com works hard to ensure its links are properly functioning. We invite you to browse our website, and please don't forget to bookmark us for future reference.
Cards for bad credit people include secured cards, guaranteed cards and debit cards.
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