First Citizen?
This name might fool u in taking this card. But don’t be misled.
The Card
It’s co branded card of Shopper’s Stop nd Citibank, as I was a Shopper’s Stop First Citizen Loyalty program member this card was offered to me by Citibank. Nd since June 2006 I am using this card for shopping nd other purchases.
I am very particular about credit card bill payments, nd I make payments well before the payment due date. In case of "First Citizen Citibank Gold Card" I always made payment on before the statement generation date. I have heard many horror stories about this Bank’s habit of misplacing payment cheques.
The Robbery
On 24th Feb 07 my worst fears come true when I received SMS alert from Citibank that a sum of Rs. 652 have been charged on my credit card(Rs. 115 Interest charges+ Rs. 350 Late payment charges+ Rs. 57 Service charge+ Rs. 100 Overdue charges). I called up customer care to enquire about this absurd FEE.
The Customer Service
The call center executive informed me that as I have not made payment of Rs. 1182(Last month outstanding), they have charged me this amount. I told this executive that already on 12th Feb 07, I have made the payment thru cheque amounting Rs. 1200.
I very politely informed that I have dropped this cheque at Citibank Drop box located at Phoenix Mill, Lower Parel. I also told her to check my payment history that I always clear all dues well before due date, and why because of there own wrong doing why I am being penalized. To this she said as they haven’t received the payment till date they have to levy these charges.
The Unkept Promises
I told her that I have been assured by her senior "Quality Assurance Manager” that no charges would be imposed on me because of this misplaced cheque. On this I was informed that charges might get reversed but I have to make payment urgently, as they might have lost my cheque.
I was also directed to make stop payment of my cheque and instructed to issue a fresh cheque. I informed her that my bank would charge me for Stop cheque request. So, I requested them to trace the cheque and inform me.
To this the executive of CITIBANK informed me that cheque can’t be traced.
This ordeal has made me think about cancellation of this card…. And I would never recommend First Citizen Citibank Gold Card to anybody.
P.s. This kind of customer service is spoiling the name of Shopper’s Stop also as it is a Co-Branded card. As this is bringing a Bad name to Shopper’s Stop brand they should break this alliance with Citibank.