Dear Citibank…

I’m annoyed at you. I came home from the USA with a maxed out card (my fault) and a credit card bill filled with late payment charges, financing fees and overdraft fees. I called you today to request a reversal of said fees for the following reasonable reasons:

1) Late Payment Charge – I have been out of the country as my indicated statements show. It was due on June 6. I flew out on June 7 and due to time differences, I didn’t arrive in Manila until June 9. I paid it on June 10. I have charges on my card on June 6 and 7 indicating I’m still in California. With the exception of this situation, I have never been late on a payment. I think logically, consideration needs to be given.

2) Overlimit Charge Assessment – One of your own customer service representatives said that it is a mystery how Citibank’s credit limit amount works. Some customers’ are unable to use their card after as little as 2 pesos over the limit. Some are allowed to keep using the card. I belong in the latter category. I was able to use my card and charged a couple of thousand over the limit. If Citibank didn’t want me to do this, why didn’t they just decline my card. How is it that they’ll let you keep using it and then charge you for continuing to use it? If anyone is attempting to use a maxed out card (whether their own or worse, stolen), then it should get declined no matter what. Because then isn’t that what limits are for? Be consistent with your policy. Don’t be lax with it and then penalize me as if I cheated your system and exceed my limit without your knowledge.

Also, They definitely make money from each of the charges. They’re making money from me no matter what I do. Because of the good standing on my card, I’m inclined to think they’re bound to increase my limit anyway. So they’re charging me for something they’re gonna do eventually. Hmm.

I asked the CSR what to do in the future when I travel and unable to pay? He said that I should just tell someone to pay it for me? WHAT! Dumbest answer in the world. First of all, my credit card and spending habits are sacred and confidential. Secondly, I don’t have a person at my disposal to be paying my card bills for me. Just offer online payment Citibank, it’s cheaper than me hiring someone to pay my bills every month.
Okay I’m just ranting. To their credit, Citibank agreed to reverse the Financing Charges and Overlimit Charge. The Late Payment Charge is another battle.

I just need to vent and tell people to watch out, be vigilant with your credit card use and watch your statements. These banks are out to get you.