Is the NTB Credit Card Safe? What You Need to Know
The NTB credit card is legitimate and issued by CitiBank. It works best if you need quick funds and can pay back within 12 months to avoid high interest rates. Use it responsibly to build credit, but understand the drawbacks before applying.
Respond to LawsuitConsumers often question the safety of NTB credit cards. The deals seem too good to be true. Zero percent APR for the first year? No annual fees? Approval with fair credit? Many wonder if it’s a scam.
The truth is simpler than you might think. National Tire and Battery (NTB) credit card is legitimate. CitiBank issues it. The card is designed for consumers buying tires, batteries, and car accessories from NTB stores and their website.
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Respond to Your LawsuitYou don’t need perfect credit to qualify. A fair credit score gets you in the door. The application process is straightforward. Visit a nearby NTB office or apply online through their website.
Should you apply for an NTB credit card? Should you keep the one you have? We’ll break down everything you need to know. You’ll learn how it affects your credit report and whether it’s right for you.
Benefits and Drawbacks of the NTB Credit Card
NTB credit cards operate differently than most cards. The terms of service have unique features. You need to understand both sides before applying.
Key Benefits
- Zero percent APR on new purchases for the first year
- No annual fee charged
- No interest if you pay in full within one year on purchases over $699
- Accepts applicants with fair or poor credit scores
- Helps build credit when used responsibly
- Works at participating Exxon, Mobile, and Tire Kingdom locations
- Reports to TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax credit bureaus
Significant Drawbacks
- High interest rates after the introductory period
- No rewards or points system for purchases
- Interest calculated from purchase date if not paid within one year
- Above-average APRs after year one
- No sign-up bonus offers
- Minimal credit card perks or benefits
- Zero points earned on purchases
The NTB credit card works best in specific situations. Do you need quick access to funds? Can you pay everything back within 12 months? Then the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Otherwise, consider the high interest rates carefully. Late payment penalties add up fast. Your credit score can take a serious hit from missed payments.
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If you’re being sued over credit card debt, our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit and negotiate a settlement. Don’t ignore court summons from creditors.
How NTB Credit Card Applications Affect Your Credit Score
Applying for an NTB credit card triggers a credit check. CitiBank will review your credit history. You’ll see either a soft or hard inquiry on your report.
Soft Inquiries
Soft inquiries don’t damage your credit score. They rarely appear on your credit report. NTB performs soft inquiries during pre-qualification. They just want to check your score before offering approval.
Hard Inquiries
Hard inquiries impact your credit score. They stay on your report for two years. The effect on your score lasts only the first year. CitiBank accesses reports from all three major credit bureaus. Each credit report could show a hard inquiry.
The bank checks how responsibly you use credit. They don’t rely entirely on this to approve applications. Multiple hard inquiries can hurt you. Lenders may decline future credit card or loan applications if they see too many.
Make sure you really need an NTB credit card before applying. Unnecessary applications lower your score for no reason.
Removing Hard Inquiries From Your Credit Report
You can’t remove legitimate hard inquiries from your report. You consented to the credit check when you applied. The inquiry stays there.
However, you have rights when inquiries appear without your consent. Someone may have stolen your identity. The credit bureau might have made a reporting error.
Steps to Remove Unauthorized Inquiries
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects you from fraudulent inquiries. Follow these steps if you spot an inquiry you didn’t authorize:
File a dispute with credit bureaus. Submit disputes online to all three bureaus. Send dispute letters via certified mail for legal protection. The bureaus must investigate with CitiBank and NTB. They’ll remove fraudulent inquiries within 30 days.
Contact CitiBank directly. Call them to learn about the unfamiliar application. Identity theft may be in progress. Take immediate action. Freeze your credit report. Add a fraud alert. File a police report. Submit a report at the Federal Trade Commission identity theft portal.
Monitor your credit report regularly. FCRA gives you one free report per year from each bureau. Spread out your three requests throughout the year. Pay $13.50 per request if you need more frequent monitoring. Regular checks help you catch discrepancies early. You’ll notice fraudulent activity before it causes serious damage.
Safety Measures for NTB Credit Card Use
Credit cards are generally safe to use. NTB credit cards include standard security measures. Credit card companies implement fraud protection. You face minimal risk when using the card properly.
The FCRA monitors credit card companies like NTB. The law ensures fair treatment of consumers. Companies must report accurate information. You have legal protections if something goes wrong.
If NTB or CitiBank contacts you about debt you owe, you have options. Being sued for credit card debt is serious. You need to respond quickly. Ignoring a lawsuit leads to default judgment. The creditor can garnish your wages or freeze your bank account.
Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt lawsuits in 15 minutes. You can send letters to collectors and negotiate settlements. Don’t let a debt lawsuit catch you off guard.