Writing this review for users to know how important it is to have things in writing, sometimes telephonic discussions(even though recorded by Citibank) are of no value whatsoever.
I work for a company in Mumbai and as part of Citibank’s marketing push, I got a call from their executive offering me a company customized corporate card upgrade without any annual fees and other benefits. I immediately agreed since my existing Visa Platinum card was having high annual fees. I still remember I received 10 calls that day to give my documents as soon as possible.
I gave it and a week later, I got my verification call. The executive explained the benefits and told me that the card would have regular charges and did not have any offers attached to it. I immediately refused so the sales agent again calls and says that I need to agree to everything in the verification since it is a generalized call and they are not aware about these customized company cards, hence made the biggest mistake of believing him and agreed to everything in the second verification call.
The card came a week later, with absolutely no mention of any specialized offer as per what was promised at the time of selling/marketing so that I thought why not check with Customer care and verify the offer. They told me it was regular card having the same charges as my previous card. Immediately, explained everything to them and I was told an Investigation would commence but there was no reply for 18 days hence I called them.
What follows is not only shocking but was a great learning:
1) They said they investigated the same and the sales agent confirmed that no such offer was given and the customer was never told about a company card offer.
2) I had confirmed on the verification call that I understood everything
3) I had signed the document
MY RESPONSE: CLOSE THE DAM CARD AND DONT CALL ME AGAIN!
Points to Note:
1) Citibank works in lieu with these agents and cares only about their own benefits, hence in such situations the customer is talking bulls*t.
2) Whenever such an offer comes from a Citibank marketing agent, always take in writing, believe me ALWAYS TAKE IT IN WRITING. Dont believe their crap one bit.
3) Note down all names and numbers from where you receive these calls(if possible, record these calls on your own)
4) Forget card upgrade, I was sitting with 2 Citibank cards having high annual fees!
I have learnt my lesson today, thankfully there was no financial loss but a big waste of time for which Citibank does not care.
I will soon be closing my other Visa Platinum card as well. Good riddance!
P.s. I would have loved to give names and numbers of the sales agent but I guess this review should be enough to open the eyes of many!