Chase Bank Mastercard raised my rate without just cause and with no notification Ripoff Wilmington Delaware
I have had a Chase Mastercard account for the better part of 10 years. I have never once been late with a payment and have consistently received raises at work that, along with paying off my debt, served to lower my debt ratio as opposed to increase it.
Back in April Chase raised my rate from under 10% to over 30%. When I phoned them they advised that this increase was due to the fact that I had been determined to be a "credit risk" because my account had a high balance. (Then why did they recently raise my limit in I am such a risk?)
They did this without properly notifying me; I received no notice of the increase and, because my payment is online, might not have realized this increase had it not been for the fact that I noticed that much of my last two month's payments had gone directly to interest and not the principle. They claimed on the phone that they had "sent me an email notification" but I did not receive it and when I asked about having some proof their supervisor basically said they "did not need it".
According to a banking professional locally because they are located in Delaware they are more free to use such tactics.
Fortunately I had the means to proceed with paying them off and closing the account. I would like to help to assure that others don't fall victim. DO NOT BANK WITH THEM! This is the only way to truly protect yourself. They have no conscience and little if any concern for those who they may hurt.
I plan on filing a complaint with the O.C.C. and in addition I am using my status as a firefighter/paramedic to try to get some media attention. The public needs to know about these ripoff artist. I realize that I probably won't be able to get my money back but I am hoping that somehow Chase might end up in a class action with lots of national attention that ends up shutting them down.
J.
Melbourne, Florida
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Susan
Ellensburg,Washington,
U.S.A.
You're so right, Jim
#4Author of original report
Tue, November 22, 2005
Thanks for filing complaints with all who will listen, Jim. Perhaps if enough of us complain, someone will finally listen. Chase is now the most reprehensible and predatory credit lender on the block, with the worst customer service in the industry to boot.
Chase has screwed over thousands of people like you and me who have great credit ratings and always pay their bills on time. Chase has become nothing more than a legal loan shark (and I'm not sure about the 'legal' aspect). I won't even go into the abuses perpetrated by Chase's mortgage divisionand payday lending affiliates ... it's a scandal. I say this as a FORMER Chase "valued customer" of over 20 years good standing.
FYI, there is a class action suit going on in California right now concerning Chase's use and abuse of their 'universal default criteria.' Discovery is under way, and evidence will be presented to a judge in January 2006. If all goes well, this could pave the way for a national class action. (See the 'www.my3cents.com' website for detailed information concerning the law firm handling this case).
Jim
Melbourne,Florida,
U.S.A.
And I Am Sure....
#4Consumer Comment
Sun, November 13, 2005
I'm sure that the fact that Chase nailed tons of consumers shortly after they got popped with fines from their involvment with ENRON was purely coincidental.
Bottom line not that it is any of your business.
My credit score has never been higher. It is now fully 200 points higher than when I first signed on as a customer of Chase.
I was not late on any payment. Either with Chase or with any of my other consumer credit accounts.
I qualified for a lower interest (fixed at that) than I had with Chase so in the end they sort of did me a favor.
Chase proceeded to attempt to "educate" me when I phoned to close the account. It took me three calls and they even attempted to once again raise my limit and yet still would not lower my interest. Strange to say the least. I am "such a risk" that they simply had to raise my interest rate and yet then felt compelled to raise my limit.
About the only thing you stated that I agree with is the fact that it is their card. And thus I returned it to them with glee. And I have reported them to literally every Florida consumer advocacy group as well as many at the Federal level. While my goals might seem lofty I someday hope to see a class action that closes them down. I truly feel for those who do not have the means to escape the greed of Chase Bank. The least I can do is try to make sure that others don't also fall for this type of consumer scam.
To look upon Chase Consumer Credit services as a "priviledge" is sort of like saying that it is a priviledge that a robber steals your wallet but then didn't kill you. The crime was still committed and that is the real bottom line.
Here's hoping the message keeps getting out about Chase. Anyone silly enough to defend them deserves to work for them....
J
Kingston,Ontario,
Canada
Some Ideas about this
#4UPDATE Employee
Sun, November 13, 2005
When a percentage rate is increased there is always a reason. Something to keep in mind, it's their credit card and they can do whatever they want with it. You are givin the privilage to use their credit cards. As harsh as that sounds. I know I am not in favor of being slammed either. However it does clearly state in the terms and conditions of the usage of the card rates may change at any time without notice. Not to mention that perhaps they raised it was because of something else. Chase I believe is one of the few banks that will check into a lot of other areas of your financial status to determine your percentage / risk ratio outcome.
example. you always pay off your chase card but you were late on 1 payment with a completely different credit card. That will cause your chase card interest rate to go up. like it or not it's their right. Chase has millions of card holders some of whom LOVE the card. why is this? because they read the T's and C's of the contract. Some homework is required on this subject perhaps.