Complaint Rating:

Company information:
Citibak Credit Card
Philippines

After our harrowing experience with Citibank, I STRONGLY advise everyone, DON’T GET A CITIBANK CREDIT CARD! This is quite a long read, but I hope you take heed.

When we started having financial difficulties, I called Citibank to inquire of any arrangement we can avail of that would allow us to pay my father’s outstanding balance on a reasonable installment basis. But I was told that no such arrangement was available.

Failing to make payments for a few months, the account accumulated. Paying only the monthly minimum amount incurs HUGE financial charges and even MORE penalty/service charges if not paid on time. Citibank personnel started calling us at the office, house and on mobile even as early as 6am or as late as 10pm. If unable to speak to the cardholder directly, these people threatened anyone who took their calls. Not even children were spared from their foul language.

As soon as we raised enough, we made arrangements with their designated collection agency (law firm A) to pay the account in full at a discount. After signing the appropriate agreement form, we paid the agreed amount at an authorized bank. We faxed the payment slip to the law firm and they confirmed receipt of the payment by Citibank.

We requested for a clearance letter certifying payment and closure of the account. We were told that this letter will be sent to us directly by Citibank. After not receiving the letter as promised, we repeatedly called the firm and were always told to just wait. We were also advised to disregard the statement of account we continuously received after full payment. This is machine generated and will eventually stop, they said.

To date, no certification has been received. Payment was made in 2007! Instead, we received a letter from another law firm demanding IMMEDIATE payment of the account after we, as they claim, CONTINUOUSLY DISREGARD their reminders and offers of assistance. Alarmed, we called law firm A and were told that they will communicate with the law firm B to clear the matter. We were also advised to just say the account has already been settled should anyone else call.

Today we receive yet again another letter from law firm B demanding payment for the same account. They even enclosed an advisory stating the new Rule promulgated by the Supreme Court “that aims to speed up disposition of civil cases”. I have emailed them advising of payment. Hopefully after faxing them the agreement form and payment slip, they would stop harassing us.

Again, DON’T GET ANY CITIBANK CREDIT CARD!