FOLLOW US

Continental Finance Company agreed to settle the allegations of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman involving its credit card fee. Schneiderman announced the settlement on Monday.

As part of the agreement, Continental Finance agreed to refund the initial annual fee of $125 to more than 150 New Yorkers. The company also agreed to improve its disclosures in direct mail marketing of its “Surge” credit cards.

According to Schneiderman, his office received a consumer complaint against the company particularly its Surge credit card. In response, the AG’s office opened an investigation into the matter.

Credit card company failed to equally disclose $125 off-the-top-first year fee 

In its marketing materials, Continental Finance is prominently offering its Surge credit card with $500 limit. However, the company failed to equally disclose the $125 off-the-top-first year fee to consumers. Therefore, consumers’ initial credit limit is only $375.

In a statement, AG Schneiderman said, "Misleading credit card marketing can have a disastrous domino effect for New York consumers, particularly for those new to the credit market or with compromised credit ratings.”

He added that the agreement with Continental Finance ensures disclosure of upfront fees in the future. It also allows consumers to make proper financial decisions.

Under the existing federal law, Companies such as Continental Finance are required to disclose important terms in a table format. “In this instance, the federal disclosure followed multiple pages of marketing materials, which did not list important items like upfront fees that diminished the initial buying power of the card,” according to AG’s office.

The AG’s office is advising consumers to read all the pages of promotional materials from credit card companies. Most credit cards include automatic charges, cost associated with second cards, security deposits, and other fees. Consumers may not see these fees on marketing materials at first glance.

Additionally, the AG’s office is encouraging New York consumers, to call its hotline 1-800-771-7755 if they think they were misled on credit cards or other issues. They can also contact the office through its website.