*First Citizen?*
This name might fool u in taking this card. But don’t be misled.
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*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.
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*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.