Bank rebuts "worst credit card" claim

First Premier Bank says its MasterCard is about repairing people's credit.

October 19, 2010 at 2:52PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

First Premier Bank of Sioux Falls, S.D., said Consumer Reports never asked its opinion before accusing the bank of peddling "America's worst credit card." On Sunday, Whistleblower described how the magazine had awarded the infamous title to the First Premier Bank MasterCard, which charges up to $175 in fees for a $700 credit limit.

In a statement, Premier Bankcard president and CEO Miles Beacom said the card is designed to allow people to repair credit histories, so it's not fair to compare it to cards available to those with better credit.

Beacom said the company is "committed to helping these individuals receive a second chance when it comes to their finances."

Here's another excerpt from Beacom's statement:

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James Shiffer