Went from a plain-jane MasterCard card, to a new Visa Gold check card. Carries a lot of the benefits of a real credit card, including the 1-year extended warranty benefits. As far as I know, the old MC did not have any real benefits (except standard theft protection etc).

It's not much, but is this a sign of increased strength of my credit score? Can I expect credit limit raises, interest rate deductions, or invitations to better rewards programs from my real credit cards in the short to mid term (6 months to 1 year)?

If not, someone cut down my hopes and dreams right now. :)

I'd say this is a sign of your account status with the bank as being strengthened. Most banks will offer 'gold", "platinum" or other "special" debit/check cards to their customers as a marketing gimmick.

I remember back in the day (90's) when check cards were also check guarantee. Not that virtually everything is automated, those days are slowly disappearing. Even Walmart will take a blank check and the cash register will debit your checking account. You don't have to fill out the check!

yeah my bank did that about 6 months ago. Its nice. Now i am not so worried about useing it. Since it seems to have the same benifits as my CC.

rossman:

I don't like it when the place just takes a check runs it through and gives it back. It worries me. Every time we do it i wonder how i would fight it if someone stole some checks of mine or something. That way just seems easy to fraud them.

rossman:

I don't like it when the place just takes a check runs it through and gives it back. It worries me. Every time we do it i wonder how i would fight it if someone stole some checks of mine or something. That way just seems easy to fraud them.
You're not alone my friend. I'm also (paranoid?) that they're capturing my bank's routing number and account number. If there was a computer glitch my account could be wiped out easily. I only write one check a month, for rent. Everything else is paid for with cash, debit card, credit card or good 'ole internet banking.

I'd say this is a sign of your account status with the bank as being strengthened. Most banks will offer 'gold", "platinum" or other "special" debit/check cards to their customers as a marketing gimmick.

I remember back in the day (90's) when check cards were also check guarantee. Not that virtually everything is automated, those days are slowly disappearing. Even Walmart will take a blank check and the cash register will debit your checking account. You don't have to fill out the check!


Yes, but is it just limited to my bank, or will my credit card companies also decide to throw some more perks my way, which is what i'm hoping for? ;)

Yes, but is it just limited to my bank, or will my credit card companies also decide to throw some more perks my way, which is what i'm hoping for? ;)
It's most likely limited to that bank only, it will reflect in your "relationship" with the lender that you have a gold check card.

Chances are you have good credit as is. You just need to USE it, pay it off every month, and most importantly always make your payments on time. Good credit takes time to establish and maintain.

rossman:

I don't like it when the place just takes a check runs it through and gives it back. It worries me. Every time we do it i wonder how i would fight it if someone stole some checks of mine or something. That way just seems easy to fraud them.

What's to stop someone from just getting checks printed with your account number and routing number and doing the same thing? All the information is on the front of the check, so anyone you write a check to could do it, right? :)

What's to stop someone from just getting checks printed with your account number and routing number and doing the same thing? All the information is on the front of the check, so anyone you write a check to could do it, right? :)
Nothing.

Let's not fan the flames for us paranoia-people.

*puts on tin foil hat*