No credit card renewal due to ‘lack of use’

On July 24 I went to a store to make purchases using my card. It turned out it had expired the previous month.

So I proceeded to my home branch in Arima to collect the new one. Just like I have been doing for the past 13 years.

The teller told me my expired card was not up for renewal — because I was not using it often enough. The last time I made a purchase was in February. That is the most flimsy excuse I have ever heard.

I returned home and called the Credit Card Centre.

The rep took my number and promised to call me to straighten out the problem.

Hours later no one had called.

I again phoned the centre and spoke to another person. She also took my number and promised to call. Again no return call. I called a third time.

This rep had me holding on for about 30 minutes. I hung up in frustration.

I called again next morning.

I was told the bank is changing from the Caribbean Miles Master to a Visa Platinum card. But she checked to see why I had not received a renewal notice. She came back with the same excuse — I had not used the card since February.

Prior to this there was no correspondence indicating there has been a change in policy. The excuse is without merit since I know another client (my son), who lives in the US, and used his card only twice during the two years living abroad and his is up for renewal.

I have been a long-standing customer with this bank.

I have had the credit card for over 13 years. Records will show that I have always paid on time. As a result I consider myself a good customer.

Further, I am due to travel on August 3 and with no available foreign currency and no credit card I am in a bind.

This treatment is unfair and unwarranted.

HEATHER-ANN BOXILL Arouca