New Citi® Dividend World MasterCard®
July 21st, 2007There's nothing in it for me if I switch, so I called to tell them I would be keeping my old card. Although it was slightly difficult to tell through the language barrier, the obviously off-shored support representative seemed nervous; he behaved as if he could not imagine why anyone would not want this new card, and insisted that if I were to do the research by comparing the two on citicards.com, the choice would be obvious.
Well, the choice was obvious, but it wasn't the one Citibank seems to be pushing. There was nothing about the new card posted on citicards.com; only Google turned up a few perplexed bloggers, some speculation, complaints, and warning about the unusual behavior--and one post providing a summarized comparison:
The primary difference in new "World" card (is that short for New World Order?) is a feature called MasterCard® PayPass®, which uses Radio-frequency identification (RFID) so that instead of sliding your card, you "tap" it on a machine at checkout.
So, what's the big deal? Who wouldn't love the convenience of their new PayPass® credit card? Well, there is actually lot more at stake here than you may realize; a much larger operation is moving into place world-wide and it's all part of their master plan. Convenience is merely an enticement; they need you to adopt this for a much different reason.
Posted in: Politics
September 1st, 2007 at 14:23 PM
I was also recently given the "priviledge" of an upgrade to a World card. My experience however, was not positive, in that I told the customer service professional that I did not want the upgrade. Even though I HAD NOT ACTIVATED THE NEW CARD, the cold voice on the other end stated I did not have a choice. I then went up the ladder so to speak, finally getting a supervisor who stated the same. A few weeks later, I received a notice in the mail stating my request for "downgrade" was denied. When I called and asked why, the CSR told me that because I had activated the card, I could not downgrade. I told her than I activated the World called because I'd previously been told I had no choice. I'm one of those people who don't carry cash, and pay everything with one card. Yes, it's a hefty bill, but that includes house, utilities, groceries, gas, etc., so it's a real benefit. After the way I was treated, I called corporate office, and sent two emails asking why this program was in the place and complaining about the way I was treated. Of course, no response. Now, I'm going to cancel the card, because while it's nice to receive benefits, none of us like to be treated like a number. Or ignored. On a positive note, my AMEX platnium has been great to work with, and if you spend enough and call, they will waive the annual fees. Plus, you get to speak to people in the States. You can actually understand their CSRs! Pass it along - World card sucks.
October 25th, 2007 at 03:33 AM
Yeah, I got the same "upgrade", except I never got the postcard...or the new cards. Both got "lost in the mail", and they closed out my account, making me look like an asshole when my card gets declined. Thanks Citibank!!
November 17th, 2007 at 06:00 AM
I got the same upgrade too. They told me that your old account will be cancelled within 30 days whether you accept or reject the new card. as matter of fact, they already replaced the old card number by the new card number on my online account before I receive the new card. They are violating our rights by forcing us to accept their new card.
November 30th, 2007 at 17:31 PM
FYI, the reason for Citi's push for these "World" mastercards and visas is simple: more money that they can charge the merchants to process your purchse. Visa Signature cards, Elite, Premier, and World cards cost the merchants and retailers a little more... depending on the type of purchase and the merchant. Usually it's between 20 and 100 basis points. ALternatively, you can try to call Citi, say that you are upset and dissatisfied with this upgrade and the World cards, and request that you convert your account to another citi-card. If yes, then ask for the citi card you had before. If no, demand to speak to supervisors and tell them you want to convert back to your old account (or other citi- non-world card) or else you will never use the citibank card again (and keep your promise! :)
December 6th, 2007 at 06:24 AM
I had the same experience of having my old Citi card replaced with the new World card. When I tried to downgrade I was told it could not be done. When I talked to a person who said that were a supervisor, they said that switching back was no longer an option. I quit using the Citi card. I got an Amex Blue card. Be careful with this one! They calim you get 5% back from grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. This is after you spend $6500. Superstores (Wal-mart, etc.)and convenience stores that sell gas are not part of the 5% back. I'm looking for a better card again!!
December 7th, 2007 at 21:36 PM
Ha. Same story with my dividend card and one of the thank you rewards card. Called customer service, asked right away to be transfered to an "account specialist" which is a guy in the US. I demanded to close the rewards card, which he did, and the divindend card I still want to keep for the 2% or 1% cash back so he immediately agreed to "downgrade" me to my old dividend.
December 11th, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Also, this card will apparently effect your credit score. Lowering it up to 50 points, please read this article: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/CardsThatHurtYourCreditRating.aspx
December 11th, 2007 at 08:34 AM
However, I activated this card already and am now stuck with it. If this lowers my credit score I am leaving CITI and getting a different card.
February 5th, 2008 at 04:54 AM
I just got the same offer via email saying it was automatically updating my current Citi Dividend Select card to this World Card with a new account number. I called the service number on the back of my credit card and declined the offer. No questions asked. Maybe that number is better than the one in the offer.
February 20th, 2008 at 15:01 PM
I too got the offer. It came in a full color envelope stating the exact month that the card would be replaced. I was also given a phone number call and a code number to use.
When I called the number I did not even have to talk to anyone. I just simply put in my code number and declined the upgrade (before it arrived). I now will be keeping my original account with no questions asked.
I have never had an issue with Citi ever.
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