Like many others, I too am an unfortunate customer of Citibank.
Going by the international presence and strong brand name of Citibank, I had applied for a Citibank Credit Card two years ago. I was promptly given a Credit Card and started using it.
Therein began the problems.
First, Citibank is not content with me having one credit card. So every few months, they send me a new co-branded card. Some while ago, I was sent a Citibank Cricket Card. Since I was already having sufficient credit cards, I promptly informed the call center that I am not interested in another card so please cancel this. After a month, the card is cancelled. Again, after another two months, they send me another Citibank Cricket Card as if the only passion in my life is Cricket. The same procedure is repeated. But the “CITI never sleeps”. They send it to me AGAIN. Well, third time wise, I have not bothered to cancel the card, but thrown it in the dustbin.
Second, Every day, without fail, I receive at least one call from Citibank, offering me Home/Personal/Auto Loan, Creditcard, portfolio service, demat service etc etc etc.I am sick and tired of getting calls from Citibank(Many times it has been when I am on national/international roaming, costing me a lot.). They claim that they have a DO NOT CALL list to which customers can subscribe by going to their website. I have tried but have not been able to find it. If some MS member can guide me to the link, I will be obliged.
Third, I was offered reward points for Citibank Suvidha account which I also hold. After accumulating sufficient point, I redeemed on-line for some leather product. Even after nine months and several reminders, I am yet to receive the so called Gift. And then they have the cheek to call me and ask about suggestions for improving the rewards program.
Fourth, I have opted for on line bill payment of all my utility and mobile bills. So every month I receive e-mail informing me about the bill and the credit card gets automatically charged for the specified amount. Thrice it has so happened that I receive the intimation about the bill, but Citibank “forgets” to pay the bill to the concerned company. Unluckily for me all three times it has happened with Reliance Energy. Now knowing the state of ADA, I am scared that if I don’t notice this in time, my power will be cut off.
About their Call center services, the less said the better. You have to struggle through their menu to talk to an executive.
It is a shame that a global giant like Citibank is absolutely unprofessional in its service to the customers. Compared to that I think ICICI Bank certainly are more professional. More about that in another review another day…..
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Updated on 21st January 2006
My troubles with Citibank continue. After repeatedly promising that the credit card is free for life, I am charged with annual fees. Only to be reversed after 30 minute argument with phone banking officer. But Citibank loves to trouble me.....they dont reverse the annual fee and to rub salt into wounds, charge me with late payment fees !!!!
I have had enough. Just got off the phone after cancelling 2 of the 3 cards I own. The 3rd will be cancelled after a I avail of the ’’Fly for Sure’’ Offer(this was the only good thing which happned in the last one year with Citibank).
Must say, an international bank(Citibank) should from an Indian Bank(ICICI) on how to keep customers happy. A very brief on how ICICI treats me
they have assigned relationship officer, who is a phone call away.
they have given facility of home collection of cheques to be deposited.
upgraded me to gold card from silver card.
very few pushy sales call.