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Why I Won't Use Citicards VISA for Major Purchases

By Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker

Real Estate Agent with Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker DRE #00697006

January 13, 2013 01:05 AM

Some credit card companies want your business so badly that they mail you preapproved credit cards. All you have to do is activate them. They wave big cash credit lines in front of your nose, and all I can say is thank goodness my shredder will let me shred credit cards. It has a special slot just for that plastic junk.

For years, I have been using Citicards VISA, but I see that coming to an end. At least for large purchases, it has become a detriment to use Citicards.

I am one of those people who pays off her cards in full every month. I never make payments on a credit card. Never. Haven't done it for years and years and am not about to start now. I use credit cards as a way to put a buffer between me and the seller of whatever merchandise or products or services I am purchasing. But Citicards has pushed me too far with its ineptness.

Read more on my personal blog today about Travel Tips: Don't Use Citicards.

Photo: cruise ship in papeete by elizabeth weintraub

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Kathy Stoltman

Ventura, CA

RETIRED

Elizabeth, While I understand Citicard doing their due diligence, I would think there would be a better way for them to verify that the charges were actually yours with out freezing your account, especially in light of you communicating to them of your travel plans. Lucky for me I do not have a Citicard and have no plans to get one.

Jan 13, 2013 01:14 AM

Dan Hopper

Dan Hopper - Gold Way RE - Westminster, CO

Colorado Broker / Referral Services

Good idea to cancel that card, Elizabeth. You are the 3rd person that I have recently heard this from over the last few months, with Citi. BOTH of those clients have canceled their Citi cards!!

Jan 13, 2013 01:20 AM

Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker

Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA

Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Hi Kathy: Fortunately my husband was standing next to me so we put the charge on a Chase VISA with no problems.

Hi Dan: This is the second time CITI has done this to me. CITI has some kind of deal going on to prevent credit card theft but the extreme to which it is carried out is ticking off its customers. They froze me out of Target, of all places.

Jan 13, 2013 01:23 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

When the card doesn't work what good is it? Do business with people you are comfortable with and the heck with the rest Elizabeth.

Jan 13, 2013 01:40 AM

Melissa Zavala

Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA

Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

I'm going to go over to your personal blog and get the scoop right now. I've had trouble with cards when I have been out of the country where they decline them because they don't think it's me. What's the point, really?

Jan 13, 2013 02:46 AM

Bruce Walter

Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Elizabeth,

I went over and read your blog post, and I am glad I did go over there. That would be a shocker that at check out your card was frozen. I am surprised you didn't get a call on your cell phone for purchases that you made in Tahiti before check out. Advise well taken, but alas we rarely get out of the county because of our furry babies!

Jan 13, 2013 03:00 AM

Hi Gary: My point exactly. I use the card for my convenience, not for Citicard's convenience.

Hi Melissa: It's even worse when you have called them and they still give you trouble.

Hi Bruce: They called but who brings their cellphone to Tahiti and pays those outrageous roaming charges? I left my cell at home. I learned the hard way when we went to Vietnam that just turning on your cell can cause a roaming charge.

Jan 13, 2013 05:16 AM

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO

REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Elizabeth, I have heard of this happening to several travelers- not sure if it's always Citi, but it's quite a shocker to realize that your card is merely a piece of plastic- it's a pitiful way to treat their card-carrying customers.

Jan 13, 2013 08:53 AM

James Dray

Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

They really don't care if you leave them or not as you are aware it is nothing but a numbers game. If they can get 2 out of 10 in the long run they will win. Try not to take it personally. Have a great day

Jan 13, 2013 07:44 PM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

My credit union credit card will freeze any charge over a "usual dollar amount." I would've loved to have charged a $1900 repair on the beater truck we own, but didn't call them ahead to let them know I would be doing it. It's a blessing and a curse to have such a tight watch on our credit. I could use my Am Ex anywhere and they would never call.

Jan 14, 2013 07:45 AM

David Grbich

Realty One Group - www.FindCARealEstate.com - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Orange County Real Estate - 949-500-0484

Elizabeth - I think they are all the same - Macy's is the worst for hounding card holders! Regards Dave

Jan 14, 2013 01:27 PM

Why I Won't Use Citicards VISA for Major Purchases

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