Horizon Gold / Horizon Card Services review: dishonest business practices! 232

Horizon is very deceitful. I was also under the impression that i was going to receive a credit card if u look u the definition of credit card you would problematically see a visa or master card logo. Not a catalog store that you can only shop with them. I would like to see ev1 sue them for intent to deceit the public into think that they were getting a credit card with a visa or master logo on it. I will look it to this and I'll get back with anyone who might want to join in the suit.

thanks for the heads up! However I know for fact that you only get a credit card that is visa or mastercard if it shows the logo, so in that she is correct. I will not be signing up for this tho! I agree that they are deceitful, it says previously that they are upfront in their process but it tried to get me to sign up without me even knowing what it was for! Sue the pants off them!

I strongly am disappointed in this card and feel very ripped off.

Thank goodness I decided to check this company out before I did anything. I got their little card in the mail today! I'm sorry you all have gone through hell with these people. I just had a bad experience with BeautifulSkin.com...long story..enough to say don't even GO there with them either. I had to file complaints with BBB... Good luck getting your money back!

Thank you guys so much for expressing your opinion. If it weren't for people like you who speak out and a person like me who was smart enough to Google "Horizon Gold" than I would have never known. Thank You I will not be activating this invitation to a false card. Hope everyone receives there money back.

Thanks for the heads up..I did not even notice at first that the picture on the lil postcard did not display a visa/mastercard logo. You just get drawn in by the words credit line $500. Well I am tearing up the lil postcard and taking a picture of my rear end and gluing it to the picture and I am going to mail it back to that address on the postcard. Good luck everyone!

Same old story... cheats and liars... I signed up and then got to thinking... I didn't see a logo either so I called and cancelled than called my bank and they had already grabbed the cash so I called them back and reenacted my card...still haven't seen the shopping list cept they said they didn't have computers the only thing I really need... probably want to sell me ocean front arizona land next and I just might be dumb enough to buy,on credit of course...chuck

I'm glad I read this. Thanks. I was surprised when I received my card, also. I thought it was something I could use anywhere... I also won't be using this card... I just received it in the mail and have not completely activated it..Do you think they will still try to charge me? I hope not, but if so, at least I know what to expect, and what I will in case of a confrontational conversation.

I became very suspicious of the mail piece that I received when I did not see any Mastercard or Visa Logo, this should be a dead give away to anyone.

I too received this and went on line to fill this out but I did not see a visa or master card logo, so digged into what it really was and did not get it, so anyone who got this card should call their consumer services office in the phone book in the government pages in the front or call your local attorney general to help get your money back.

I also agree on this scam company. It should be noted clearly that this is a card to shop on their web site. Every item they sell is absolute junk. I click on outdoor goods and all i see is umbrellas. Worthless company and products!

I got the same offer in the mail today. Went to their website to check it out. I did not really pay attention to the card to notice if it had a logo of Visa or Mastercard on it. I started feeling a little iffy about the whole thing when i click on a few things to see more information and it would not let me scroll up or down. But even then I said maybe its just me, so I filled out my info(address stuff like that). Now its when I got to the next screen when all the red flags started going off for me. They wanted my debit or cc information to get this card. Now I dont know about any of you but i have never heard of another cc company wanting cc information for another cc company. That is when I really looked at the card and notice that it did not have a logo for Visa or Mastercard, and since Their website does not explain what it is they are really doing I decided to google their butts. and I am sooooo glad I did. I am very sorry for those of you that have been taken advantage of by this company, and I hope everyone gets their money back. Someone needs to inform this company that they need to state what it is they are offering credit for and that it is a cc only used for their company. I will be filling a complaint with the BBB and the attorney general's office.

Hi everyone,

I thought I was the only one. I am very disappointed as well in this company. But you know what made me really stop and think, I said ok, let me place an order, something small. Well, I went to do that and when I got to the checkout I was informed by the site that I had to pay for my own shipping. I could pay for the merchandise with my card but they charged an astronomical shipping fee. It is outrageous. I too did not realize that it was not a visa or mastercard until I handed it to my husband because we had an emergency and needed cash right away.

When I say that I had to pay for my shipping I mean they would not let me charge the shipping to the card. I had to use a VISA OR MASTERCARD to pay for it. BIG SCAMMMM

I agree whole heartedly with everyone who has complained about Horizon. My fiance received an off in the mail. And he was surprised. I went as far as to go to the site and I was surprised to see that there was no contact info. (address, phone number etc.). Before I continued I Googled-Horizon Credit Services and seen different site about them. I clicked on one that was titled "Complaints Board-Horizon Gold". I read almost every complaint on the Board and felt the same. The advertisement reads "You are Pre-Approved to receive this unsecured Horizon Gold Credit Card with a starting credit line of $500.00." That in it's self is deceitful. Also anything that was iffy about it was that they wanted you to give them $79.95 right off the bat, most credit cards take it of the card before you get it. I am so glad for this website and all the people who spoke out about Horizon Gold. I hope everyone who has been deceived by them gets justice.

I also received info in reference to your complaints, and yes i feel that they are COMPLETELY deceitful in how their going about their business. Yes, i do believe someone needs to get in contact with the proper authorities and put this problem to rest. This company in question is preying on the less fortunate, and for that they should be shut-down!

I understand everyones frustration and agree with some but disagree with others. One thing that I am quickly learning is that their are different types of credit lines and cards. This card is really no different than a department store credit card in that you can only purchase items from the vendor. Its called a sub-prime loan or card.These type of cards are usually for people with little, no, or bad credit. That is why they don't do a credit check. We as consumers need to read the fine print and use wisdom in these matters. If it doesn't say Visa or Mastercard, Discover or American Express than it is neither of these. It is something else. If it sounds too good to be true than it probably is.

I got the card to help my credit I am sorry to say. The stuff is really crude, unbelievable the choices they give you.They let a lot of good people down.

I was also scammed by Horizon Gold, and I was told that there was 1,000's of electronics, computers, and jewelry, there is not! Nothing there is worth over $40.00 and it is all JUNK! I will get my money back or I will sick Alquida on them! They are liars and full of [censored]!

When I received this Horizon Gold credit card I was under the assumption that I would receive a credit card to use per my discretion. Instead I get this card that I can only use on selected items. I don't need clothing I needed a valid credit card that I can use. Even when attempting to charge one of the items sold through Horizon Gold Outlet store I had to use a visa or a mastercard in addition to the Horizon charge. This does not make any sense! What good is this credit card when I'll have to use another credit card just to make purchases. I am Disabled and I am trying to improve my credit so that I may secure a more feasible home that would cater to my disability. I cannot afford such a card, I have not made a purchase and do not intend to. I am requesting a refund of my $78. I feel that is only fair. Shame on your company for fooling unsuspecting consumers.

I agree with you all. I was also scammed. I called the 800 number to cancel my membership and the person told me that I would receive paperwork in the mail. that would let me borrow up to my limit and that they would cut a check within 24 hours. and send out to me. I have yet to see any paperwork or a check. this place is absolutely a scam. and everyone stay away. I am requesting that my 70.99 is refunded to me immediately. This is [censored]. and I also am filling a report with the better business bureau.

While I agree, I was introduced to this card as being a catalog card and I knew exactly what the deal was. You are basically paying them to help reestablish your credit history. If you went in looking for good, quality products, you were sadly mistaken. While I agree the charges are high, if this opens the door for my credit score to improve, I'll save thousands on auto and home loans.

I paid the $79.00 fee for this card which was misinterpreted as a credit card. I cancelled this account three months ago, yet you are still taking $14.95 from my credit card each month.

I should receive all my money back for I never used the card for I cannot use any of your items. I want you to stop taking money from my card and where can I contact you personally, Leonard T. Clark

Wow! Don't you just hate these kind of companies? Thanks for giving the rest of us the heads up about this company. If you hadn't I would probably be going through the same problems as those of you that signed up for the card. It's a good thing you guys told your story it will hopefully keep this company from being able to scam less people. They shouldn't be able to deceive the public like that and get away with it! Those of you that are doing something about this companies deceitful practice more power to you. Best of luck!

I am so glad I took the time to look into this FREE $500.00, Credit Card... I hate Shopping Online. I am sorry for all your Pain and hope you get your money back from these SCAM Artist's. When it is to good to be true... always pay attention to that voice inside asking... Is this for real! Happy Head Hunting, Sue the pants off them.

I got scammed too. I just received a card from horizon gold. I thought I could u the card anywhere but I found out that its only for horizon gold stuff. If they would have said this I would have changed my mind about getting a card from them. Im mad as hell. F*ck horizon gold!

I to thought this was going to be a visa or mastercard, but when i got it, i said what the hell is this. I will never use this card. You cant even go to the store that you want, you have to order from them, that is bull. They can take this card and, you no what they can do with it.

I think you are all completely wrong about what this card does and how it can actually help you. I'm assuming most people who apply for this card have bad/no credit, although this card will help people with good credit as well. I will explain why. First, she is correct that credit is credit and Horizon does report to a credit reporting agency which is a big bonus for people with bad/no credit. This will boost your FICO score. The reason for this is that you need to raise your high credit limit, and this does it in one month by $3000 bucks! This is important because it could lower your debt to credit ratio in the acceptable 10-30 percent range, meaning 10-30% in debt of your total high credit limit. This it the total of all of your high credit limits and the total of all of your debt. For example, say you are $1800 in debt and have a total high credit of $3000, you are at 60% debt to credit ratio, way too high. You apply for this card and instantly add $3000 in high credit. Now you have $1800 in debt and $6000 in high credit, now you are back in that 10-30% range. Also, lenders look at how much credit you've been approved for in the past. This Horizon card will show up in your report as revolving credit which carries more weight to your score than say a secured loan, like a car loan. So in essence, this shows up exactly how a Visa/MC card would in your report. Another thing, other companies offering credit cards for people with bad/no credit also have fees and normally your high credit will be low. Most likely in the $200-300 dollar range. You will also be charged high interest. Anywhere from %19-25 in interest. These also only add $200-300 to your high credit, and, varying fees could take up half of that credit line to start. This will actually lower your score. So, apply for the card, buy something small, pay on time and your score will go up. Remember, never pay your credit cards off in full, always keep at least a low balance on your credit cards, this improves your score as well. And no, I do not work for Horizon.

It is obvious that Horizon is a scam in the sense that if you think you are getting a visa or mastercard, then you will get took. I got their little postcard today in the mail and took one look at it and knew it was what it is. It is a company that preys on poor folks with bad credit that are in need of rebuilding their credit. I went to their website to poke around. If you read it carefully, you can see it is just for their merchandise. They are not hiding it, but they sure don't make it too obvious. They stretch the definition of "credit card" to fit what they are doing in a loose application of the term. The point is simple, if an offer is to good to be true, then it is too good to be true. What company is just going to give someone like me that has crappy credit a large amount of money unsecured with no credit check?

What is up with all these complaints? It does not state anywhere on their website that the card is going to have a Visa or Mastercard logo on it. Sears, Walmart , JC Penneys and many others all have a credit card for their store... no visa or m/c logo on them. All i know is, my score has gone up 20 points from having this card. It is on my credit report as an unsecured credit line. Stop complaining and look at the big picture... they are helping us not hurting us...

Alright folks a little note here. Before you click 'submit' you have to check a box that says "I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS". Meaning that each and everyone one of you has agreed to these terms, legally. If you didn't read them, then you shouldn't have checked the box. Why the hell anyone would pu their credit card information on a page without reading every word on it and looking for terms and conditions is beyond me, but that is probably why you were offered a horizon card in the first place. I hope all you people who feel you were 'scammed' realize that everything we did you agreed to, and that just because you assume something does not make it true. Below are the first few paragraphs of the T&C, please read them to see why Horizon was in the right. Anyone reading this before applying for a Horizon card, please understand that it is not a scam. It is a card that offers 0% interest on closeout-priced items on an online store. it gives a monthly report to Trans Union, a major credit bureau, even if you have no balance. It also covers alot of benefits such as roadside. it is a good card, and something should not be labeled a scam simply because people want to assume it is something that it is not. Here is the first part of the T&C.

The Federal E-Sign Act (HR-1714) on Final Digital Signature provides that electronic signatures on documents hold equivalent legal status as traditional handwritten signatures. By completing the online application at the website for Horizon Card Services™, member certifies that their digital signature is the equivalent of its handwritten signature. Also, the member declares that it has read and understands all of the Terms and Conditions and agrees to and does sign each section of these Terms and Conditions with it’s digital signature.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: You may cancel your enrollment within 3 days from the date of enrollment and receive a complete refund of your initial fees. Cancellation requests made after 3 days from the date of enrollment are subject to a $20.00 cancellation fee. After (30) days, cancelled accounts are not eligible for any type of refund. Cancellation and Refund requests can be made by calling Member Services at [protected] Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm EST.

Chargeback / Bank or Credit Card Company Dispute Charges: Horizon Card Services™ strides to provide exceptional customer service. If you feel you are entitled to a refund or would like to cancel your enrollment, you may do so by calling [protected] Mon – Fri 9:00 am through 5:00 pm. Refunds can only be obtained by calling this number. Do not contact your bank or credit card company in an attempt to obtain a refund! While your bank or credit card company may provide a temporary “provisional credit” of the disputed amount, please be advised that Horizon Card Services™ is successful in reversing most chargebacks. In addition to the original charge, you accept responsibility for all fees associated with the processing and communication of this dispute. Typically these costs range from $50.00 to $300.00. Horizon Card Services™ reserves the right to collect these fees via the original payment method or through third party collection.

Customer Advocacy If you feel at any time you are not receiving the customer care and attention you deserve, we encourage you to contact our “Customer Advocacy” department. Customer Advocacy is dedicated to helping you 5 days a week from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Please call [protected] for customer advocacy.

1. Acceptance of Agreement. You agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement with respect to your use of the Website and/or Service. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Horizon Card Services™, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, representations, warranties and/or understandings with respect to the Website, the Service and/or your Account, as defined herein below. We may amend this Agreement from time to time, in our sole discretion, without specific notice to you. The latest Agreement will be posted on the Website, and you should review this Agreement prior to each use of the Website, the Service and/or your Account. By your continued use of the Website, the Service and/or your Account, you hereby agree to all the terms and conditions contained within the Agreement in effect at that time. Therefore, you should regularly check this page for updates and changes.

2. Disclaimers. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ IS NOT A CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION, BANKING INSTITUTION OR INSURANCE COMPANY, NOR IS IT AFFILIATED WITH ANY CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION, BANKING OR INSURANCE INSTITUTION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A VISA, MASTERCARD, OR DEBIT CARD. THE HORIZON OUTLET CARD™ ACCOUNT IS A LINE OF CREDIT THAT CAN BE USED BY AN ACCOUNT HOLDER TO SHOP EXCLUSIVELY AT OUR ONLINE SHOPPING WEBSITE. THERE ARE NO DOWN PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASES AT OUR WEBSITE. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ DOES NOT FACILITATE, NOR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING CREDIT FROM ANY OTHER CREDIT-ISSUING ENTITIES. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ DOES NOT CHARGE AN ADVANCED FEE TO ESTABLISH CREDIT, NOR DOES HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ ATTEMPT, OR CLAIM TO ATTEMPT, TO ESTABLISH, RE-ESTABLISH OR REPAIR ANY CUSTOMER CREDIT HISTORY. THERE ARE NO ENROLLMENT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCOUNT.

3. Additional Terms and Conditions For Horizon Card Services™ Accounts. The Horizon Card Services™ Service is an online merchandise shopping service. By obtaining an Account, you can make purchases of select items available at or through the Service. Accounts may be obtained by individuals 18 years of age or older, who possesses a valid and active U.S. credit card, debit card, checking or savings bank account. There are no credit checks, income requirements or employment requirements to obtain an Account. There are also no restrictions applicable to those with past bankruptcy history.

In response to Joe Guin - what the hell are you talking about? Stretching the definition of a 'credit card'? A Credit Card is a card that gives you credit. That is what this is. A Wal-Mart card or a Bon-Ton card is a credit card as well. Just because someone isn't giving away magical free money and you want to assume they are does not mean they are a scam.

I am with everyone else i was ripped off and intend to get my money back.

I agree because I just got my card today(5-29-07)and I thought that this was a real credit card, you right it don't have a visa-r-mastercard logo on it. I think that is a bunch of BULL, because I'm thinking that I am getting a real card where I can shop anywhere and I CAN'T. I think that you should be upfront and honest and let it be a person choice if they want to still purchase the card or not. You were very dishonest and I am very unhappy, and I want my MONEY BACK. You don't trip of the card until you log on like they tell you and start getting mad because you think that you have done something wrong, but really you didn't it's just that you got PLAYED!

God knows i agree with the complainers 100%. I really thought i was getting a real credit card with a visa logo on it. I'm just responding because i been sick now I'm feeling better and decided i wanted to use my card and find out i don't have a visa card, i took my last 80.00 to get this card, because i figure this would help build my credit backup, this really made me feel stupid and mislead when i open up the mail. I was all excited got rid of my other cards with high interested rates and said this is all i need, but needless to say this is the last thing i needed. I have one last thing to say and that is i want my money back right away, i cant afford to give my money away like this, god bless your soul, because this is wrong what you are doing to people god forbid you and bless your soul... May god bless you Lorraine rivers.

I thought i was getting a visa card unfortunately i was trick. I will call back to demand my money back to my bank account, thank you.

I would just like to make a comment. I received this horizon card post card today.
visited the website and if you read the "condition" It states what your being given. Also the flyer shows that theres no visa/mastercard logo. If you take this to court. You will lose! Because legally they arent doing anything wrong. And they do help you build credit. Everything they say is true. My advice to you is next time your trying to get a credit card READ THE FINE PRINT!

Also another piece of advice. When you get a secured/unsecured card you may be charged. 59 to 150 in charges. You have to always read the fine print and their privacy acts and make sure when you agree that you understand everything.
There are many people who just jump the gun and end up in your situation. READ READ READ!

Not trying to come off as rude but giving advice. Thank you and have a great day!

One more thing. It amazes me at how many people assumed they where getting a visa/mastercard. They really are helping you build credit and build your credit score. You all should be happy. Within a few months you''ll be eligible for a REAL credit card. For those of you with bad credit should take this opportunity to straighten your credit out. Least this is positive. But i have to laugh at the fact that theres so many comments about being scammed. Makes me think. I should open one of these businesses up. LoL!

It's perfectly legal! And theres obvious a lot of people getting it. For those of you who are easily taken. Beware of the e-mails that say"free money" if you help out someone in foreign country.

Ok now everyone seems to be going crazy with the word SCAM this card is not a scam if you would read the terms and conditions on the second page in the disclaimers in all capital letters it states:

"2. Disclaimers. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ IS NOT A CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION, BANKING INSTITUTION OR INSURANCE COMPANY, NOR IS IT AFFILIATED WITH ANY CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION, BANKING OR INSURANCE INSTITUTION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A VISA, MASTER CARD, OR DEBIT CARD. THE HORIZON OUTLET CARD™ ACCOUNT IS A LINE OF CREDIT THAT CAN BE USED BY AN ACCOUNT HOLDER TO SHOP EXCLUSIVELY AT OUR ONLINE SHOPPING WEBSITE. THERE ARE NO DOWN PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASES AT OUR WEBSITE. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ DOES NOT FACILITATE, NOR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING CREDIT FROM ANY OTHER CREDIT-ISSUING ENTITIES. HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ DOES NOT CHARGE AN ADVANCED FEE TO ESTABLISH CREDIT, NOR DOES HORIZON CARD SERVICES™ ATTEMPT, OR CLAIM TO ATTEMPT, TO ESTABLISH, RE-ESTABLISH OR REPAIR ANY CUSTOMER CREDIT HISTORY. THERE ARE NO ENROLLMENT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCOUNT."

No i know for a fact that this is printed in "2" font sizes bigger then the rest of the terms and for everyone calling this a scam. How could you not read before you sign up for something if you would like to blame a company for your mistake then fine fight it and lose just like everyone else has.

Thank you for your time.

If it's all about the $79.95 that you took out of my account, you can have it! I realize that you guys are just like every scam artist that's out there. Victimizing desperate good people with bad credit. I thought, I finally found something that understand people who have situation like I have. Because, not every person who has bad credit did that to themselves. A lot of them are victims of circumstances, but are willing to take a chance to spare their precious $79.00 to make an effort to a start a name on their own. Unfortunately, again we're victimized.