I was told by the "payment protection plan" that I had to be collecting unemployment in order to qualify for the program. I have been unemployed and disabled with Multiple Sclerosis for some time. I called Merrick to review my statements with them, at which time they told me they could not look back further than 3 months. Not Merrick, they make you feel like you owe them a favor for doing business with them and that they could care less if you stayed on or not. Others seem to want your business and strive to correct any issues. Their entire attitude is "we don't care" and they all, every single person that represents this bank tells you, "You can close your account if your not happy." I have never heard this from other card companies. If they didn't make mistakes, then yes, throw stones and tell me I'm in the wrong. We have no control over the postal service." Which is true, but come on, look at the facts and not tell me that I'm wrong for not mailing them a payment out of the blue without a statement when their reps gave me wrong information twice. I didn't get their statement until after the due date. I stated to Tom that if it was my fault, then yes, I have to pay a late fee. The 2nd time, I had mailed it a week prior and they said they received it 24 hours late. The 1st time was my fault as the payment did not get mailed out in time. On the late fee, he goes that he can't waive it because they had waived two prior already. It doesn't mean anything." At this point, I'm insulted by 'doesn't mean anything.' I had the decency to call them and explain what had happened and that a payment was coming and it doesn't mean anything? My phone calls following where I asked about my account and was told it was fine, means nothing? Tom goes, Well, that's just a comment listed on your account. I said I called in good faith as soon as I received the bill to inform the bank that I was sending the payment. So it isn't like I owe them a lot of money or have a history of missing payments with these people. Keep in mind I have never missed a payment with them and my balance is only $200.00. If I was told right off the bat, 'Your account will be frozen until we receive a payment,' I wouldn't have tried using it in the first place. It's not my fault their reps gave me the wrong information. I said but I called twice and asked specifically about my account. I said with what? A blank check and no statement? He told me there's nothing he can do. He said that I should take responsibility and that I know a payment is due on the 12th of every month that I should have made a payment.
We go round and round and he goes, "Well, what do you want me to do." I said to him to unfreeze my account as I was told twice that I could use it and waive any late fees as it wasn't my fault. That I didn't make a payment so that's that.
He then says that I was given the wrong information by the customer service reps. You didn't pay so we freeze your account." At this point, I was puzzled and explained to him everything that transpired from the 17th of November. He gives the standard 'I'm sorry' blah blah. This time, the rep states to me that she will have to transfer me to the department handling my account.
On November 23 2010, I tried using my card again. I again asked if everything was fine with the account for use. The customer rep looked at my account and said everything was fine, no hold, that I could use the account normally and that they don't hold an account until 60+ days past due. I explained what happened from the 17th incident until present time of this call. I again called customer service on November 22, 2010.
On November 21, I went to use my card at a store.