Complaint Review: First Premier Bank

On June 7, 2007, First Premier opened a $200 secured credit card for me; the card arrived on June 20, same month. On June 21, from my bank account, I paid the $69 yearly fee. To pay that fee on the internet cost $7.00, plus "a one time internet use fee of $3.95." Subsequently, to see if the card was functioning, I attempted to buy a book from Amazon. The card was shot down.

Contacting First Premier's customer service, I was told that the card would be reactivated in seventy two hours. Therefore, in seventy two hours, I again attempted to make a small purchase over the internet. Again the card was shot down.

I again called customer service and was told that First Premier had attempted to confirm my bank account (it worked just fine when they accepted my first $200 check plus the $69.00 yearly fee) and because my bank refused them information, they would have to lock up my account till I could produce a letter from my bank stating that the account was really mine.

Outrageous. I then told First Premier that I wanted my every cent returned, and I subsequently sent them proof of the $69 yearly payment. Of the $269 paid them since June 21, they are willing to refund $189.05--they have refused to refund the $69 yearly payment; plus the $3.95 internet charge; plus the $7.00 charge to transfer funds via internet. They are swine.

Frank
Mountain View, California
U.S.A.