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I am still fighting with Citibank over there mistake in not sending me my estatements and alerts for the month of June. This caused late fees, which triggered an increase in interest rates to 28.99%, which caused over the limit charges. I thought all that was bad enough but yesterday I got a letter from FirstUSA (a CC I have successfully had for over 20 years with no abusive practices to date) that they were cancelling my CC because of the report of Citibank on my credit report of late payments, over the credit limit and "too few trades paid as agreed". Prior to all this, I did carry a high balance (due to healthcare costs over the last 5 years) but I always paid on time and well over the minimums. Like I said before, I had over 20 years of satisfactory payments with the FirstUSA card. Now everyone just keeps giving me the run-around and saying "sorry you feel we are treating you unfairly but there is nothing we can do". What recourse do we as consumers have? It just seems to me that we don't have any way to correct the injustices. It is exactly this type of behavior by all these companies that are bankrupting middle america right now!
Your suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
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Good to meet you 1mochajava and welcome to billeater. It's terrible that you're being punished for their mistake.
Have you emailed them at all or just called? Do as much as possible by email or letter so you have responses in writing and not just phone calls. What about the credit reference agencies like Equifax, have you advised them there is an ongoing dispute? I would let them know too so it's noted on your file.
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Doesn't FirstUSA have any appeals process, 1mochajava? Don't take the first answer you get. Ask to speak to a manager and get names. Go higher up the chain and keep shouting until you get some satisfaction. Write to the CEO and complain. Make a real pest of yourself. You've nothing to lose by doing so.
And Hi!! Welcome :)
Also, did you see this thread? This may be different now with the new regs. I know the 15 days notice they had to give was extended to 45 days under the new legislation. I'm not sure if you can definitely still opt out in the same way. That would be something to look into and check if you wanted to.
http://billeater.com/tips/did-your-credit-card-company-raise-your-intere...
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You can also complain to the Better Business Bureau I think as well. Good luck 1mochajava. That's a shameful way you've been treated. Welcome to billeater. :)
©2009
Hi 1mochajava. This is the advice from the Consumer Action Handbook, a government site. I know you've tried the first steps so try the next. Welcome to billeater and good luck.
http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_credit_cards.shtml
Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.
- Samuel Johnson