I received a note in the mail on 12/20/10 from my cable internet provider saying my credit card payment had been declined. I have had this monthly payment set up to build up points on my credit card and had been doing so for close to three years. I gave the cable company a different credit card and was told that there was an added fee to my bill because of the decline.
I called Cabelas VISA to correct the issue. Turns out my card had been put on credit hold because I tried to buy something online on 12/5/10. This attemp was declined because they could not speak to me on the phone to verify I was actually the person useing the card. I just used another card and completed my transaction and thought nothing else of it.
What I didntknow was my card was placed onhold until I called them.My cable bill and any others were now being declined and addition fees were being added to the normal amounts due.
After thegentleman on the phone at Cabelas VISA told me my account was on hold I was transferred to the fraud department where I had to tell them that,yes, I had tried to buy something online. Then I was transferredto customeer service who told me " Gee we're sorry you've had a bad experiance". But no we wont cover the declined fee for putting your card on hold. We called your home and someone was asked to have you call us. Who, I asked, did you talk to? Dont know sir, someone who answered your phone 15 days ago. I ask to speak with a manager to explain my displeasure.
Get the manager, Mark I believe his name was, on the phone. My question was what in your policy to notify people that your looking after them and putting their card on hold? We call the phone number on file and leave a message.
With whom? Whoever picks up the phone.
Do you perform a follow up call? Nope, we've left a message.
Do you mail a notice? Nope. we've left a message.
Can I get Cabelas VISA to reimburse me my declined fee? Nope. we left a message.
At this point I decided I no longer whised to use their card and closed my account.
Hang on people who have read this far, the funniest part is coming up....
Turns out I have a credit balance on my account for much more than my monthly bill from my cable provider was. So the money had been sitting in the account the whole time. I paid extra in the month before so the Christmas season wouldnt hit me as hard on my purchases.
All I wanted is what was fair and get them to cover one declined fee. Will be taking my business elsewhere.
Anyone who has a Cabelas VISA card and decides to make a spur of the moment purchase, I hope you have your phone with you or no kids in the house who can pick up the phone.