Citi CS migrated from best-in-class to SUCKS! over the span of 20 years

[hdporter]

I'm in my 3rd round, battling Citi over the recover of $850 cashback that was forfeited upon involuntary closure for inactivity (2 years).

 

Now, if you want to lob any criticism, I'll take it squarely on the chin.  Letting cb build for several years, and letting the card go dormant (despite having "last use" date noted in my spreadsheet) aren't exactly displaying my "A-game".

 

Shortly before ending the 2nd call (with add'l review and a callback promised for this am), I explained to the acct spvr that while I and my wife were dealing with her near-fatal leukemia bout these last 2+ years, keeping my Citi account active kinda faded from my radar ...

 

I report further as things develop .

 

 

 

 

Edited March 16 by hdporter

[MP80]

1 hour ago, hdporter said:

Letting cb build for several years, and letting the card go dormant (despite having "last use" date noted in my spreadsheet) aren't exactly displaying my "A-game".

 

This month, I redeemed $50 in cash back from each of three card issuers—American Express (AmEx), BMO, and Discover—totaling $150. Furthermore, whenever my cash-back balance with Bank of America (BofA) reaches $20, the system automatically deposits that amount directly into my checking account, requiring no manual redemption request on my part.

 

We often encounter situations like the one described above when a card issuer decides to close a specific credit card account: the cardholder forfeits all benefits and rewards associated with that account. Just recently, a cardholder had their account closed, resulting in the complete invalidation of millions of accumulated travel miles on their American Express card; if such a massive fortune were to simply vanish into thin air, it would undoubtedly constitute a colossal loss.

 

Ultimately, the guiding principle is this: whenever a card issuer permits redemption—whether the amount is $20 or $50—you should redeem your cash back promptly. By doing so, you can rest easy with complete peace of mind.

[PhoenixDown]

Hoping for the best! Good luck.

[hdporter]

I

11 hours ago, MP80 said:

Ultimately, the guiding principle is this: whenever a card issuer permits redemption—whether the amount is $20 or $50—you should redeem your cash back promptly. By doing so, you can rest easy with complete peace of mind.

 

I've been properly schooled! 

[hdporter]

It

8 hours ago, PhoenixDown said:

Hoping for the best! Good luck.

 

Thank you

 

This afternoon brought yet a bit more frustration ...

 

I had requested the call back for this am.  We're headed today to Ft Lauderdale, where we embark on a great 10 day cruise tomorrow.

 

Sure enough, the call comes through at 2p, when I'm rustling luggage into our airport Lyft.  I ask for a callback in 15 min.

 

40 min later, in car, I'm notified that our connecting flight is delayed by 2 hr.  I decide to place a quick call to our hotel to advise of our revised 2a arrival.

 

Get a rep on the phone only for the AA callback to ring through.  I'm tired and botch the call juggle; dropping both calls in the process ;(

 

I soon find a vm advising me that, in being unable to reach me, they're letting the matter rest.  They give me a number that I cam call to reinitiate things.

 

I call that number (checking it very carefully) ... "Thank you for calling UPS Worldwide Services!)

 

------

 

Oh, mail arrived just before Lyft.  Letter from Citi that they asked about yesterday, but refused to say what it stated.

 

It informed me they couldn't reopen the Citi account in question due to high debt balances relative to income.

 

Yeah  we purchased a future retirement home with $1.1 k cash, and a $0.3k Heloc draw on our existing home.  Drew another $0.4 on the Heloc for improvements.  (We also have a $650k primary mortgage.)

 

Due to sell primary in June and move.  Net proceeds will cover $1.3 mtg + Heloc, with strong additional cash out.

Because of this planned repayment  I only fund the HELOC int each month, rolling the princ pmt portion back into the line.

 

We're not mega wealthy, but we're extraordinarily comfortable, w/ $200k annual income in retirement, and will own a $1.7m home free and clear.

 

Still, I expect I can talk myself blue in the face and Citi won't budge on a $5000 card reinstatement  ;(

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 16 by hdporter