I consider myself a nice person.  HEHEH.  Really one.  But I’m a bitch when it comes to dealing with banks and credit card companies.  I’ve learnt that I need to play hardball with them if I want to save my own pocket. 

Like recently when I forgot to pay my credit card bill by the due date and was told flatly that there would be a late charge and interest levied on my account when I called the customer service.  I was fuming because I was only two days late and they had not considered that for all the blardy years I’ve been their customer, I’ve never once defaulted on my payments.  Since it was up to me to fight my case, I made sure I gave the officer a hard time over the phone until she relented. 

Well, I’m very certain they have me on record as an extremely nasty customer because some years ago, I wrote a sarcastic letter to their VP of customer service suggesting that they should rename their department to lip service department.  I had lost my credit card then on a business trip and my card was illegally used to chalk up about US$2k of purchases. Despite making an instant report by phone and in writing, the blardy credit card company insisted that I should pay for those purchases.  That’s super lovely isn’t it?

If I hadn’t kicked up a big fuss and threatened to cancel my card and complain about them, I would have to fork out that 2k out of my pocket.  I suppose they were hoping that I was a moron who would accept those charges quietly because I was at fault for losing the card? 

And just some weeks ago, I had the honour of having one of my current banks sent me a platinum card.  Not that I  qualify for one.  They just took it upon themselves to send me the card without my application.  In the welcome letter, the bank stated that I should sign and return the acknowledgment if I wanted to accept the card.  I didn’t bother to follow up,  thought nothing of it since I wasn’t interested and gave the card to my son for his amusement.

The next thing I knew, I found I had the platinum card on record in my latest bank statement.   

I was peeved!  They were literally shoving the card down my throat!  They had the cheek to tell me that I was specially selected to be a member when I called to tell them off.  So what if it’s platinum?  I don’t hanker for it and am not gonna use it.  Yet, at the end of the day, they’re going to charge me some ridiculous membership fee for holding on to an unused card!

There’s something unscrupulous about the way these banks and credit companies operate.  They prey on unsavvy customers and squeeze them for extra cash under THEIR terms and conditions on the sly.  For example, I found out not too long ago and only by chance that I could have my credit card annual membership fees waived if my annual purchases add up to $3k, provided I take the trouble to call and request.   Yet, this is not a piece of published information and I have been taken for a ride for so many years as their LOYAL customer!

I never bother to be even marginally nice when I talk to their representatives whenever I have to.   I know they’re just doing their job but heck!  Why should I care to sound reasonable with those who try to sneak behind me and milk as much from me?  If I don’t stand firm and get my way, I’ll be made a sucker.   So I’ll rather be labelled a bitch then a sucker.  Anytime.