2nd-Tier and Local Banks

[RicHowe]

Most strive for prime bank cards from the best issuers, but often there are great cards and offers from smaller 2nd-tier (e.g. Fifth Third, PNC, Union Bank, US Bank) or local banks.

It might be fun to share our experiences or offers we have with these institutions. Maybe there is a hidden gem (great offer or relaxed underwriting) out there that is available for all of us.

Near where I live we have Surety Bank which offers Visa and AMEX co-branded cards
https://www.mysuretybank.com/consumer-card/

[coldfusion]

Those are co-branded cards issued by Elan.  If a bank website redirects you to an external site when clicking to apply or to get more information with a popup warning it's likely Elan is involved.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=24448

Here are 2 other examples.  Note both the cookie-cutter format and the identical card offerings across all 3 sites.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=2323

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=7936

[Anonymous]

I love this. It’s funny, cause I’ve been having some great success with the 2nd tier banks. Are there any other hidden gems we should know about? 

[Anonymous]

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@coldfusionwrote:

Those are co-branded cards issued by Elan.  If a bank website redirects you to an external site when clicking to apply or to get more information with a popup warning it's likely Elan is involved.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=24448

Here are 2 other examples.  Note both the cookie-cutter format and the identical card offerings across all 3 sites.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=2323

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=7936

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I have never heard of Elan, but I did a quick google search of "Elan Financial Services" and US Bank pops up. Also seeing Elan's domains point to IP addresses that belong to US Bank. So I assume they are a subsidary of US Bank or somehow affiliated?

[MrDisco99]

I've posted in the past about offerings from Synovus, which has a presence in AL, FL, GA, SC, and TN.  They don't typically offer sign-up bonuses, but their rewards program is pretty competitive now and worth checking out.

https://www.synovus.com/personal/charge/credit-cards/

They pull EQ for new apps and CLIs.

[CreditCuriosity]

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@Anonymouswrote:

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@coldfusionwrote:

Those are co-branded cards issued by Elan.  If a bank website redirects you to an external site when clicking to apply or to get more information with a popup warning it's likely Elan is involved.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=24448

Here are 2 other examples.  Note both the cookie-cutter format and the identical card offerings across all 3 sites.

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=2323

https://online1.elancard.com/oad/begin?locationCode=7936

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I have never heard of Elan, but I did a quick google search of "Elan Financial Services" and US Bank pops up. Also seeing Elan's domains point to IP addresses that belong to US Bank. So I assume they are a subsidary of US Bank or somehow affiliated?

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Yes Us Bank owns Elan and Elan does CC for various smaller banks/cu's etc among other things like fidelity and the likes

[Peteyglad]

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@MrDisco99wrote:

I've posted in the past about offerings from Synovus, which has a presence in AL, FL, GA, SC, and TN.  They don't typically offer sign-up bonuses, but their rewards program is pretty competitive now and worth checking out.

https://www.synovus.com/personal/charge/credit-cards/

They pull EQ for new apps and CLIs.

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I keep thinking I am going to apply for something there as I have a branch just down the street from me. The dynamic earn category is interesting. 

[Gmood1]

SunTrust Bank has some decent offerings. A regular traveler may like their travel card(unlimited 3% cash back on travel). All cards offered have no FTF. They pull EQ and use Bankcard FICO 8 scoring for applications.
https://www.suntrust.com/credit-cards?icid=compare_creditcard_ccacq_hero_na_l2_487_487_default#compa...

[Anonymous]

I have heard good things about Bank of the West world Mastercard, but cannot connect to their site right now. may be an elan issued product. On a side note, I dont think us bank and pnc would be considered a small 2 tier bank, as I believe both are in the top 10 biggest banks.

[Anonymous]

If you're in CA or otherwise eligible to join, check out Golden1's Platinum Rewards Visa. 3% on gas, groceries, and restaurants. No AF. 7.79-13.79% APR.