Just got off the phone with Citibank. I've called them several times asking for a better interest rate on my credit card to no avail and have been diligently working to pay off the card. Today was the day we paid off the card so I called to cancel the account.
Turns out my card was recently reviewed (sometime between today and last week when I called to ask for a lower rate) and the interest rate dropped from 29.99 to 26.99. Well now! That's a rate to be celebrated! Right?
Yeah.... not so fast Citibank... that's not anywhere near good enough I'm sorry to say. I would still like to cancel. Oh but sir, you have been such a good customer we would hate to lose you. To which I replied, yes and that is exactly why I gave you the opportunity to lower my rate when I called you 3 times over the last couple of months. Seems nothing could be done when I called prior and now that I want to cancel it's a different story. Huh.
Ok sir, I've been authorized to offer you a special rate of 16.99% since you have been such a good customer. I'm sorry Citibank, apparently you didn't understand me. I've had it with your high interest rates and I still want to close the account. But sir! You won't find a lower rate anywhere! Oh really? How about my Wells Fargo Visa that I've had since 1976 which is currently at 10.99? I'm not sure but that's about 6% lower than your best offer so far if my math is correct? Yes, that is correct sir.
So, thank you for your offers Citibank but I would like to cancel my account now please. Ok sir, one final offer I can give you, an immediate $50 dollar credit on the account! Oh, well considering the monthly interest was topping out at over $400 a month when I was needing to run a high balance that's um... if I can be honest? A SLAP IN THE FACE. Now please close my account.
Well sir, what about the airline miles you have accrued with this card? Did you know they will expire within 18 months if you close the account? Oh thank you for pointing that out, I really need to take a vacation soon then. I have been a bit overworked. That's the first real bit of customer service I've been offered here!
Now, if you don't mind, please close my account. As you wish sir... thank you for being such a good customer and have a good evening.
As I said.... that felt GOOD! Ahhh......
Update: Time for bed... oh look my first rec list. Thank you. (blush)