topic Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks in Credit Card Applications

2nd-Tier and Local Banks

RicHowe — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:48:38 GMT

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/

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

coldfusion — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 06:52:49 GMT

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

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 04:15:16 GMT

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?

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 04:30:39 GMT

@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

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?

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

MrDisco99 — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:00:24 GMT

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.

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

CreditCuriosity — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 20:13:34 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
@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
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?

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

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Peteyglad — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 21:49:19 GMT

@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.

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.

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Gmood1 — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 22:44:26 GMT

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#comparisonchart

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 03:18:40 GMT

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.

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 03:24:06 GMT

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.

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 08:35:43 GMT

Good thread! I've found M&T Bank (NE Region) to be friendly and accommodating in our banking relationship. While it's true that their CC portfolio may not be that of the TBTF offerings, I think they make up for it in their personalized service (which, for me, means a lot). Of course, YMMV...but yeah, don't overlook those closest to home!

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 13:00:23 GMT

There's a TINY little credit union snuggled behind the local Kroger store, and they offer 7.5% interest on their VISA. I'm in the middle of a house build, so no new apps until I close, but if someone happens to live within the little footprint these guys pull from, it could be a bargain.

Smaller banks around here seem to use Elan Fin'l. If I'm going to do that, might as well just go direct with US Bank and be done with it. Edward Jones uses Elan also.

http://presidentsfcu.org/home/

Re: 2nd-Tier and Local Banks

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 15:53:15 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
Good thread! I've found M&T Bank (NE Region) to be friendly and accommodating in our banking relationship. While it's true that their CC portfolio may not be that of the TBTF offerings, I think they make up for it in their personalized service (which, for me, means a lot). Of course, YMMV...but yeah, don't overlook those closest to home!

Is M&T fairly conservative or are they easy to deal with? Will they accept people from the SE? Finally, what bureau do the pull?