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Advanta Life of Balance Platinum Card Review
Issued by Advanta
  
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Overall Rating:
Benefit Rating:
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The Advanta Life of Balance Platinum Card, issued by Advanta, is designed for business owners who are looking to consolidate their business expenses onto one credit card and are interested in a cash back rewards program that can be personalized to fit their business needs.
The unique feature of this rewards program is that cardholders choose the category in which they will earn up to 6% in cash rebates. The choice of categories includes gasoline and diesel fuel, computers, computer supplies, electronics and office supplies, online advertising services, or utilities and telecommunications. Cardholders will also earn up to 1% in cash rebates for all other purchases. Rebate checks are issued each time that $50 in rebates are earned, and there is no limit on the amount of rebates that can be earned. However, the rebate percentage earned is based on a sliding scale and the highest available rebate will not be earned on all purchases. Cardholders also have the option to choose the travel rewards program. See the terms and conditions for full details.
Besides the rewards program, this card offers a 2.99% fixed APR for the life of balance transfers that are submitted within the first three months of cardmembership. This provides a great option to business owners who want to consolidate their expenses. The card also has no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate for purchases.
It is important to note that the APRs for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances are tied to the highest Prime Rate during a three-month period. Due to this policy, the APRs may never reach the lowest possible interest rate.
This card also offers benefits such as personalized business checks, various Internet account related services, and discounts on various products and services from participating retailers and merchants. Plus, the cardholder's online account reports are compatible with Quicken® and Microsoft Money® software.
Therefore, those who will be able to take advantage of the cash back rewards program, the introductory rate for the life of balance transfers, and the various online business tools will benefit most from what the Advanta Life of Balance Platinum Card has to offer.
The unique feature of this rewards program is that cardholders choose the category in which they will earn up to 6% in cash rebates. The choice of categories includes gasoline and diesel fuel, computers, computer supplies, electronics and office supplies, online advertising services, or utilities and telecommunications. Cardholders will also earn up to 1% in cash rebates for all other purchases. Rebate checks are issued each time that $50 in rebates are earned, and there is no limit on the amount of rebates that can be earned. However, the rebate percentage earned is based on a sliding scale and the highest available rebate will not be earned on all purchases. Cardholders also have the option to choose the travel rewards program. See the terms and conditions for full details.
Besides the rewards program, this card offers a 2.99% fixed APR for the life of balance transfers that are submitted within the first three months of cardmembership. This provides a great option to business owners who want to consolidate their expenses. The card also has no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate for purchases.
It is important to note that the APRs for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances are tied to the highest Prime Rate during a three-month period. Due to this policy, the APRs may never reach the lowest possible interest rate.
This card also offers benefits such as personalized business checks, various Internet account related services, and discounts on various products and services from participating retailers and merchants. Plus, the cardholder's online account reports are compatible with Quicken® and Microsoft Money® software.
Therefore, those who will be able to take advantage of the cash back rewards program, the introductory rate for the life of balance transfers, and the various online business tools will benefit most from what the Advanta Life of Balance Platinum Card has to offer.
Review Date: August 19, 2008
Note: The review on this card was updated on August 19, 2008. The review is believed to be accurate during the update, however, information posted may have changed since the update. We strongly suggest that you carefully read the Terms and Conditions statement that accompanies the credit card application.
| Credit Card Rate Details | |
Intro Rate (Intro APR):
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2.99% APR for Life of Balance Transfers |
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Intro Applied Towards:
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Balance Transfers |
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Additional Intro Details:
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The introductory rate is available on balance transfers submitted during the first three months. |
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Purchase APR:
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9.99% (Variable) The APR for purchases is based on the Prime Rate. |
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Cash APR:
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9.99% (Variable) The APR for cash advances is based on the Prime Rate. There is a minimum APR on cash advances. |
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Finance Configuration:
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Average Daily Balance (including new purchases) |
| Credit Card Fee Details | |
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Annual Fee:
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$0 |
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Additional Cardholders:
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$0 |
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Grace Period:
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20 Days (Min.) |
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Late Payment Fee:
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$19 if balance is less than $250; $39 if balance is $250 or more |
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Over the Limit Fee:
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$15 on balances up to $501; $29 on balances of $501 up to $1,001; and $39 on balances over $1,001 |
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Cash Advance Fee:
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3%, $5 minimum ($50 maximum on convenience checks) |
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Balance Transfer Fee:
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3%, $5 minimum, $50 maximum (does not apply to introductory offer) |
| Credit Card Reward Program Details (Rebate) | |
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Rebate Minimum:
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0.25% |
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Rebate Maximum:
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6% |
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Additional Rebates:
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Cardholders will earn bonus rebates in their choice of one of the following categories: "gasoline and diesel fuel," "computers, computer supplies, electronics and office supplies," "online advertising services," or "utilities and telecommunications." The |
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Rebate Details:
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The amount of rebates earned on all other purchases is based on the following scale: .25% on up to $7,500 in purchases; .50% between $7,500.01 and $20,000; 1% on purchases over $20,000. Rebate checks are automatically issued when the cardholder reaches $5 |
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Expiration:
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None |
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Yearly Limit:
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None |
| Features | |
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Most Attractive Feature(s):
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| Reasonably low APR; no annual fee; discounts on various products and services; choice of travel rewards or cash back program. | |
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Least Attractive Feature(s):
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| APRs based on the highest Prime Rate during a 90-day period. | |
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Additional Features:
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| Various Internet account related services. Personalized business design. Personalized business checks. Online statements and management reports. Discounts on products and services at participating merchants and retailers. Compatible with Quicken® and Microsoft Money® software. Access to travel rewards or rebate program. See website for additional benefits. |
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Important Notations
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| Cardholders can only enroll in either the cash back rebate program or the travel rewards program. The APR is based on the highest Prime Rate during a 90-day period. The APR for cash advances varies according to the applicant's credit history and will be either 9.99% or 19.99%. See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure. | |
