Yes this is a rant after Citi's customer service. I called a few weeks ago to cancel my cards after the annual fee was due. One card I canceled immediately and the other one I decided to keep after I was promised that the fee would be waived if I use the card a few times.

Well then I encountered the stupidity of banks. When I went to use the card it was declined because I was passed due on the annual fee (I had no other charges on the card). Their policy is that I can't use the card unless I pay the annual fee even though they will reimburse me later (after I make the 5 purchases). I guess I find that pretty stupid and called back today and after being transferred several times I canceled the card.

Personally I don't see why I should have to prepay the fee with the promise of them eventually reimbursing me for it down the road. Sadly I've learned promises are often forgotten or modified unless they are written down.

This kind of reminds me years ago when I wanted to cancel the NFL package on Directv. All of their other premium content you could cancel online but the NFL package you had to call in, wait on hold and be transferred a few times. When I finally got a hold of someone they offered me 50% off of the package but by that time I was so annoyed with the holds/transferred I realized I didn't want to have to go through this again next year so I canceled it.

Yeah I know some people will say you losing credit lines hurt your scores, etc. but my time is valuable and I can't stand dealing with these automated systems so peace of mind trumps any credit scores.

Maybe once US Airways/AA links up and if Citi issues new bonuses I'll be eligible for those and get to do this all again.

Rich