To be fiscally responsible and consolidate/lower my credit card payments during these rough economic times, I sought out a solid balance transfer offer. I called several card companies and then decided to go with Discover Bank because they offered a 0% interest rate on balance transfers.
During my first conversation with a Discover representative, I made it extremely clear that I needed to pay off my full balances to U.S. Bank, and that if I could not be approved for that amount ($20k), I would not be interested in opening a card. I was told by this rep that it would NOT be a problem and that the amount discussed would be covered.
Several days later, I received my card in the mail. At that time, I noticed the credit limit was $8000. I immediately called to inquire about the discrepancy (on 7/22). This other representative told me that the full amount was being "processed" and not an issue. He said that I would receive a new statement with the correct, adjusted credit limit and notice of payment to my credit cards.
Out of concern for late payments, and just to triple check that every thing was correct, I called again on 7/23, and spoke with a third representative, who was finally honest, and told me that $8000 was the only amount I was ever approved for, and that I should contact a manager. I was set to do that today, 7/25, and right before I called I noticed an email I received from them informing me that two balance transfer payments were issued, one in the amount of $5210.29 to one of my US Bank cards, and another in the amount of $2390 to the other card. Now, instead of consolidating my debt and serving the purpose of opening this card, I have three credit card balances/payments and two still with interest.
I immediately called them and asked to speak to a manager, as the one employee suggested. I was told that essentially, there was no manager to speak with, and they bounced me around to various departments with increasingly demeaning service representatives. I was essentially told that I am a liar, and that there is NO WAY that these earlier reps, who according to Shirley in Balance Transfers could not be deemed true representatives of Discover Bank, would tell me what I was told.
So apparently I am the idiot, who misheard what two people told me, and I have zero options and there is absolutely nothing they can or will do. I asked repeatedly to speak with a supervisor and again was told TOO BAD you misheard and misunderstood the situation.
Being someone who is extremely diligent in paying my debts and having been in the business world as a marketing executive for more than 15 years, I am filing this complaint for two reasons; first, Discover misleads consumers by having their representatives tell them essentially what they want to hear and that their goals will be accomplished, knowing that they can fall back on their "fine print" when the consumer accomplishes nothing.
The second reason is the fact that Discover then adds insult to injury by treating the consumer as if they are stupid and hard of hearing, and then offers absolutely no solution or willingness to rectify the situation. It is simply "too late".
I was told to revisit this in 6 months after half of the 0% offer is done. This is outrageous and especially in these tough economic times, Discover Bank should be ashamed of this mistreatment of consumers. I have "discovered" several other instances where consumers have experienced the same thing-shame on me for not searching before but I thought this was a respectable company.
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