Question

Should Consumers Choose 1st PREMIER Bank?

Answer 1

First PREMIER Bank is a bank based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What First PREMIER is best known for is its offering of credit cards. In fact, First PREMIER is in 10th place for issuing the most MasterCard and Visa credit cards in the US.However, credit cards are not the only thing that this bank offers. They also offer checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, Treasury Services, CDs and a variety of business services. Customers are also offered services like online banking, online bill pay, and Bank-By-Phone.The Ugly Side of 1st PREMIER BankOf all of its services, credit cards are what First PREMIER is most commonly known for. They are especially known for offering credit cards to consumers with imperfect credit. Unfortunately, their tactics have earned them a poor reputation with many consumers and professionals in the financial industry.In 2007, the New York Attorney General sued the bank for misleading their customers. The Attorney General believed that First PREMIER Bank was deceiving consumers in order to encourage new credit card sign-ups. The case was later settled and the bank payed over $4.5 million dollars.In 2010, Consumers Union called First PREMIERs credit cards the worst in the entire nation. This was due to a credit card that carried a 59% interest rate. In December of 2010, this card was replaced with one that carried a 79.9% interest rate. Both cards had credit limits of $300. Today, neither card is available.Today, 1st PREMIER Bank offers a credit card with a $300 credit limit and $75 annual fee. The card also requires customers to provide a $95 security deposit. This card is designed to help consumers with poor credit. However, at its current price, most consumers would be able to get a more beneficial credit card elsewhere.First PREMIER bank is not all bad. Consumers that are looking for a reliable checking or savings account may appreciate what First PREMIER has to offer. Other than their very expensive credit cards, this bank offers a number of products and services that consumers can benefit from.