CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-XXXX) and related Prospectus of
Providian Financial Corporation and to the incorporation by reference therein of
our report dated January 22, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Providian Financial Corporation incorporated by reference in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

June 2, 1998