I usually tear up convenience checks sent by credit cards, but I decided to pay off a car loan which was 8% APR with a 2.99% advertised rate through my Air Jamaica Barclay Mastercard. It clearly stated on the offer that the rate would be 2.99% for the life of the balance as long as my account remained in good standing (which it always is). Nowhere on the sheet with the offer and checks did it state any different APR could/would be applicable at any time.
When I received my statement in the mail a month later, it showed an APR of 12.99% for the balance from that check. I emmediately called their customer service line, and "Nika" told me that the 2.99% only applied to check numbers higher than the one I specifically used, thus my rate is the default 12.99%. I read her word for word the text from the offer. She would not listen to any of it, interrupted me, telling me I was "mistaken" and didn't understand the offer. I asked to speak to her supervisor. Twenty minutes later, I get "Angel". He was extremely rude and uncooperative, and refused to listen to any of what I had to say, basically calling me a liar. I offered to fax him a copy of the offer. He would not give me his direct fax line, only the fax to "settlements". I told him this needed to be corrected immediately, and I was only told there was nothing he could do. He kept asking "Is there anything else? Anything else I can help you with?" which is probably their protocol for ending a conversation. I asked him again how this was getting resolved and he said "Someone will contact you shortly." He did not ask to verify any contact information, so I knew this was a lie. He then said "Thank you for calling Barclays, have a nice day." and hung up without any acknowledgment from me. I have since emailed their customer service line, and am awaiting a "48 hour response" from that.
My warning to you is do NOT do business with this bank! As soon as possible, I will be looking to transfer this balance to a more reputable bank and will wash my hands of these scam artists permanently.
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