I am also the unfortunate holder of a Citibank credit card. It is the only card we have and we have never been late on a payment in the 12 years we have had this card. We use it for both personal and business
expenses. Last year we charged and PAID for over 60,000.00 in credit purchases. So why the complaint?
We went on vacation in July, while there I wanted to make a payment over the phone, I usually always pay online but we were not in computer contact. I made a payment from a home equity line of credit account. Apparently this account does not process virtual checks, or phone checks or whatever those payments are considered.
The check was marked as returned. I discovered this 2 days after it occured. I immediately called the customer service number, was told rudely that because a check was returned my account would be on hold. *Please note that I had already made 2 previous payments that month of over 3000.00 and was in no way delinquent or past due.
I was told I could no longer pay using the online method ( even though this would be fastest) So I left work at lunch and got a cashier’s check for 2x the returned amount ($1000.00) They received it less than one week after the check was returned. I spoke to a customer service representative who apologized for my inconvenience and promised to have my account back working in 48 hours.
After 3 days had passed, I called again. This time I was told that even though the previous customer service rep had REFUNDED my returned check fee and promised account activation in 48 hours, that this was not possible. I was then told that it was Citibank policy to CLOSE my account for 30 days. *Keep in mind, that they haave now received payment of 2x the returned amount and still I am not late or delinquent.
I asked to be sent a written copy of this policy and I was told it was an ’’in house’’ policy and not an official policy written down anywhere. I would just have to wait the 30 days. I asked why I had never received any notice of this and was sent a letter dated August 6,2005 that arrived August 17. I was told this would not show up on my credit report, its there stated as ’’ACCOUNT CLOSED DUE TO CREDIT GRANTOR REQUEST’’ that’s considered a derogatory account.
So, now 30 days later I call and I am told, that now I need to submit a request to reopen my account and that after review they will decide whether to do so or not.
I do not know where to turn or who to call, but surely this cannot be legal, especially since I sent them proof that the account I drew the returned funds from had adequate funds in it, but that the form of check drawn on the account ( over the phone) was not recognized by the home equity bank.
Can anyone offer any advice, other than get them to open the account, write a letter to the credit agency and then close this account myself?