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online banking
Citibank Doesn't Want Your Business, Linux Users
For some reason, Citibank won't let customers using Linux computers log in to their online accounts. Adam argues that in 2009 this doesn't make sense, especially when no other major corporate website blocks him like this. More » -
above and beyond
Citibank Shocks Reader With Consumer-Friendly Policy
Anthony received a Newegg rebate in the form of a prepaid debit card. When he went to use the $15 card for a $15.93 purchase, he received an unexpected and wonderful surprise. More » -
too stupid to deal with
Citibank Invents "Pretend Rate" For Credit Card
Citibank has changed the terms of Victor's credit card agreement, and in the process they've created a bizarre rolling refund arrangement that will make his interest rate jump to 29.99 percent, except that actually it won't, eventually. Maybe. Update: Another reader sent us a copy of the letter, and the arrangement is even less favorable than we first thought (see below). More » -
banks
Citibank Markets To Only Rich People, Large Cities
True to its name, we suppose, Citibank will be focusing its marketing efforts on six major U.S. metropolitan areas and wealthy customers, and not the rest of us deadbeats. More » -
happy endings
AmEx/Citibank Nullify Annual Fee For Laid Off Customer
Chuck lost his job several months ago and wanted to continue his American Express membership, but had trouble justifying the $50 annual fee in his limited budget. So he launched an Executive Email Carpet Bomb, started his own anti-AmEx blog and started picketing... More » -
recession
Sears: Lose Your Job, Keep Your Purchase, Forget The Debt
Acknowledging that skittish consumers are still unwilling to buy big-ticket items, Sears tomorrow plans to unveil a bold new guarantee: if you lose your job after charging a purchase worth $399 or more to your Sears card, the retailer will credit 1/12th of the purchase price to your account for each month you are unemployed. If you stay jobless for one year, the debt is entirely forgiven, and the appliance is yours to keep. More » -
executive compensation
Citibank To Raise Salaries By 50% In Reaction To Bonus Limits
The AP is reporting that Citibank will be raising salaries for certain employees by as much as 50% in order to offset the new bonus restrictions. The company faces the restrictions because it took bailout money. More » -
foreign transaction fees
Beware Credit Cards Charging Foreign Transaction Fees On Domestic Purchases
Banks are increasingly charging foreign transaction fees on domestic purchases, a dangerous practice that's likely to expand as banks look for new ways to generate profit. Tripso tells us the story of Sunil, who bought tickets with Qatar airlines, which sounds ever so expensively foreign. Citi charged a 2% foreign transaction fee, even though the tickets were bought in U.S. dollars and processed by the airline's central reservation system based in Washington D.C. More » -
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credit limits
Citibank Comes Up With Elaborate Cash Back Offer That Reduces Credit Limit And Temporarily Suspends Card
Compared to what some other banks and card companies are doing to reduce their exposure to debt, we guess Citibank's cash back offer isn't that bad—it's sort of a "let us help you help yourself get rid of your debt" scheme. It's funny, however, if only because it's such an elaborate way to get customers to self-select for a reduction in credit. More » -
above and beyond
Don't Be So Shocked: Excellent Service From Citibank CSR
"Above and Beyond" service often comes down to the management of a particular location, rather than an individual employee, no matter how big or otherwise problematic a company may be. Fred had such an experience with Venkatesh, the overseas customer service rep he reached when he called to cancel his ancient Citibank account. Venkatesh not only talked him out of canceling the account, but was so competent and nice in the process that Fred felt compelled to speak to his supervisor and write to Consumerist. More » -
fees
Watch Out For Foreign Transaction Fees When Booking With Foreign Carriers
Cliff logged on to his U.S. internet connection to use his U.S. credit card to buy airline tickets on Aer Lingus in U.S. dollars, a transaction he assumed wouldn't incur a foreign transaction fee. Nope! Citibank slapped a 3% fee on the $2,600 purchase, something Cliff feels the airline should have warned him about. More » -
wcia 2009
Worst Company In America: Ticketmaster VS Citibank
A bailed out bank? Or the ticket scalper's best friend? Who makes your blood boil?
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auto bailout
Time Is Running Out For Chrysler! Bankruptcy "95% Certain"
With a week to go before the deadline runs out on Chrysler's bailout — it's looking less and less likely that the automaker will be saved from liquidation. More » -
citibank
CitiBusiness Strands Customer In The Middle Of The Pacific With No Credit Card
Skye is on a boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean without any way to pay for things, because Citibank canceled his card due to a security breach and didn't bother to warn him first. What's worse, they're making him call repeatedly to try to fix it, which is costing him $3.50/minute because he's in the middle of an ocean. More » -
wcia 2009
Worst Company In America: Citibank VS Sprint
A bailed out bank? Or a struggling wireless company? Who offends you more?
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wall street bailout
Government To Banks: Why Are You Making Predatory Loans With Taxpayer Money?
The bailed-out banks have found a new way to annoy the government, according to the Congressional Oversight Panel, the body named by Congress to oversee the federal bailout. Chair of the committee and friend of the blog, Elizabeth Warren, is concerned that the same people who are subsidizing the banks are being targeted by abusive lending practices, says the Wall Street Journal More » -
mortgages
Chase and Citi Shut Door On Mortgage Brokers
You're cut off! JPMorgan Chase and Citi announced they'll no longer accept mortgages submitted by mortgage brokers. The move seems to be a way for the banks to exercise more control over the loans they undertake. At first blush, this sounds like a good thing, for banks to be looking their borrowers in the eye, a throwback to the days when credit was earned instead of splooged out like candy in a parade (days epitomized in this 1950's short, "The Wise Use of Credit," posted inside...) On the other hand, it could be more just a way to snag market share and shut out the competition, which can lead to higher interest rates, borrowing costs, fees, and lower service. More »
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wcia 2009
Worst Company In America: Home Depot VS Citibank
Did the Home Depot not improve your home? Did Citibank mess up your mortgage? Which is worse?
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