Reply #84: I just called Citi customer service and gave a representative a chance to defend her company

[adamuu]

Q: I have been a customer since 1998. What have I done wrong?
A: Nothing. Everyone's rates went up.

She said she has been getting calls like this all day. It's nothing personal. Everyone is getting the same notice.

Q: What could I have done differently?
"Nothing" then the same answer.

Q: Are you trying to drive me away?
Q: Do you still want me as a customer?
"Of course." She made a case that the current economic climate forces them to do this.

I pointed out that the current interbank discount lending rate is near 0%. It doesn't get lower than that.

Q: In November 2008, my government lent your company $25billion. Where did the bailout money go?
She had to consult the script for this one, and made it clear by saying "Let's see... it says here...."
She said something about sustainable business, shareholders
Clearly she was not prepared to debate, so I just said my peace and let her go.

I said it is not lost on me that my government lent them money dirt cheap to free up credit, and they are unwilling to lend to me at a reasonable rate. We were their lender of last resort, and they would be bankrupt now if it weren't for that. I said I have not made any bad decisions. This kind of rate (30%) is reserved as a threat for what happens when you default. I have not defaulted. I have done nothing wrong. On the other hand, Citi has made too many risky loans. Why should I be punished for your bad decisions? I said, from my perspective, I wish the government had just let them go bankrupt -- I'd be in the same place, unable to obtain credit at a reasonable rate.

There was dead air. So I just let her go. She said have a nice day.