Tuesday, May 22, 2018
While you may be using Alexa to order your groceries and stream your Spotify, this popular smart home device is kicking it up a notch when it comes to functionality.For example, the personal finance company NerdWallet recently announced a new skill for the Amazon Alexa. You can now ask NerdWallet via the device to help you find the best credit card. Alexa will then guide you through a series of questions to determine a variety of factors, like your spending habits, your credit score range and what you're looking for in a credit card (e.g., a basic credit account or one that's tied into rewards). Once Alexa processes your answers, presto—a card is recommended. For some of the suggested credit cards, Alexa will provide a phone number that you can immediately call using voice command should you want to apply on the spot.
According to MarketWatch, NerdWallet is just the latest entrant of many financial services firms that have joined the Alexa bandwagon, with some allowing customers to access account information through Alexa. Credit rating agency Experian is also allowing consumers to check their FICO scores through Alexa for $25 a month.
Should you decide to shop for a credit card using Alexa, here are some important details to keep in mind:
- While there is no subscription fee involved, NerdWallet does earn a commission on the credit cards it recommends; however, Alexa will also recommend cards that NerdWallet doesn't collect any commission from.
- You are under no obligation to apply for a card through Alexa.
- NerdWallet doesn't ask for any sensitive information through Alexa; you are simply providing a credit score range. None of the information is personally identifiable.
- All developers, like NerdWallet, that create skills for Alexa are required to provide a privacy policy, which Amazon displays on the skill's page; developers must use the information in compliance with their own privacy policy, as well as all laws that apply.
Source: MarketWatch
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