CREDIT CARD COMPANIES

Assistance
In response to the virus outbreak so far, several issuing banks have released statements regarding their ongoing monitoring and response for customers. For credit cardholders specifically, here’s what each issuer stated:
American Express
According to reporting from The Points Guy, American Express cardmembers who experience financial hardship as a result of coronavirus can reach out to Customer Care Professionals by calling the number on the back of any Amex card, using online chat or through the Amex app. The issuer is working with customers on an individual basis to find personal solutions which may include waiving late fees or return check fees, waiving interest charges for a period of time, reduced monthly payments or a temporary interest rate reduction.
Bank of America
Bank of America has a help page for customers to find resources they can use if affected by coronavirus. Call the number on the back of your card or reach out online or via mobile app to ask about individual assistance options or the bank’s hardship program. According to a recent report from the New York Times, Bank of America may allow skipped payments due to hardship, but will not waive interest.
Barclays
Customers already experiencing difficulty or anticipating problems making payments are encouraged to reach out to the specialist teams at Barclays for assistance. The issuer is also “enabling customers to apply for a temporary increase on their credit card limit.”
Capital One
Cardholders are encouraged to use digital tools online and via the Capital One mobile app for account management. According to the same New York Times report, Capital One may allow eligible cardholders facing hardship to skip payments without accruing interest, but those impacted financially by the virus should contact Capital One to work out an individual solution.
“We understand the concern and uncertainty people may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our customers and associates as the situation evolves,” a Capital One spokesperson said via email. “We also understand that there may be instances where customers find themselves facing financial difficulties. Capital One is here to help, and we encourage customers who may be impacted to reach out so we can discuss and help find a solution.“
Chase
Account holders who have been affected by coronavirus should call the number on the back of their credit card or on their monthly statement. As a precaution against potential scams, the issuer also advises that, if someone from Chase reaches out to you, they will not ask for confidential information such as your name, password, PIN or other account information.
Citi
Eligible Citi credit cardholders may make use of “always on” assistance programs, which include credit line increases and collection forbearance options. According to a representative from the issuer, cardholders are encouraged to reach out if they need assistance so Citi can work with them individually to understand their particular needs and ensure assistance accordingly.
Discover
In a statement, Discover said it “will be extending relief to qualified customers who are experiencing financial difficulty caused by the spread of COVID-19. Discover customers may receive assistance that can include support related to payment timing, fees and late payments.”
Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third developed an assistance program for customers facing hardship due to the coronavirus. Credit cardholders may defer payments (up to three payments) and will not be charged late fees during the deferral period. The bank has a dedicated hardship assistance line which customers can reach by calling 866-601-6391 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Goldman Sachs (Apple Card)
Apple notified its Apple Card customers via email that any cardholder seeking assistance may enroll in a Customer Assistance Program, allowing them to skip March payments without accruing additional interest charges on their balances.
Navy Federal
Navy Federal’s assistance program for members in response to coronavirus includes credit card limit increases, which cardholders can apply for within the mobile app and late fee refunds, which the issuer recommends using its eMessage function to request.
Synchrony
Synchrony, which issues retail credit cards for many popular national brands like Lowe’s, Sam’s Club and PayPal, is available to assist cardholders impacted by the coronavirus and will work with customers individually, according to a statement via email.
Customers facing financial hardship should contact Synchrony and engage with the issuer’s customer service teams to discuss options. These may include waiving fees and charges across credit card accounts, evaluating credit limits to assist with purchasing power and waiving fees on Synchrony Bank deposit accounts as needed.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank advises customers who have been impacted by coronavirus to reach out by calling 888-287-7817 to discuss individual solutions.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo customers experiencing hardship related to coronavirus and in need of assistance are encouraged to call 1-800-219-9739 to speak with a trained specialist about available options.
“Wells Fargo is working on a daily basis to ensure we are putting measures in place to support the needs of our customers impacted by COVID-19 in the most effective ways,” a representative from the issuer said in a statement via email. “We are currently providing assistance including fee waivers, payment deferrals, and other expanded assistance for credit card, auto, mortgage, small business and personal lending customers who contact us, and we will continue to communicate with customers as the situation evolves.”
Think about other options
If you have an emergency savings, this may be a time that necessitates dipping into it. If your credit is healthy enough to qualify for a card with a zero percent introductory rate on balance transfers, that could help stave off mounting interest payments for a few months. You may want to look into a personal loan with a lower interest rate as well.
Consider seeking assistance within your community, too. Look to resources such as community centers and places of worship or even friends and neighbors.