I just told Chase to close my World Mastercard account. I've had enough of their poor service. Here's my story:

- Signed up for the card in August 2003, paid the $85 annual fee

- End of April, 9 months after opening my account, the $99 companion ticket certificate promised 6 months after becoming a cardmember had not arrived, so I called Chase. The CSR on the line said they needed to refer the matter to the research department and would let me know the outcome within 2 weeks.

- Forgot all about it until mid June. On 6/18 called again. The first agent I spoke with was completely clueless (her response to my question about the certificate was "xxx OnePass miles were credited to your account on May 24 [or whatever the date was]," referring to the miles credited for $ charged to the card). So I asked for a supervisor, who said they had no record of me calling in April (stupidly, I did not take down the name/operator ID of the person I spoke with, a mistake I have not repeated since). Same story as before: would need to do research, answer in 2 weeks. I said fine, and please note that I will close the account if the matter is not resolved promptly thereafter.

- Two weeks later, I call again. The CSR tells me a new certificate is being issued and should arrive by 7/23.

- Today (8/4), still no certificate, so I call again and immediately ask for a supervisor. She tells me that the research department indicated I should be advised that the certificate is sent 6-8 weeks after the annual date (e.g. 12 months, not 6 months, after opening the account). I ask her to explain why I was told differently on my last two calls, and why their website, which I had on screen in front of me, said the certificate is issued after 6 months. She did not know, and apologized that I had been previously misinformed. I told her the apology was unnecessary as she had just lost my business, and asked her to close the account (I'm not paying them $85 again this month for another year of lousy service).

While I don't want to be petty, I did sign up for this card and agreed to the annual fee in large part for the companion certificate (I can already get CO miles through AMEX membership rewards). This to me feels like fraud. Unfortunately, I don't have the original offer from when I signed up, so I can't prove anything, but I swear I remember it said 6 months, not 12.

I'm planning to write both to Chase and OnePass about this, but I'm sufficiently po'ed to take it further. This sounds like a breach of contract to me that at the very least the BBB and the dept of consumer affairs should know about, if not the local DA's office. Can anyone point me to the right places to lodge a complaint that are most likely to result in some action against Chase?

Thanks for listening to my rant....and stay away from Chase!

I had a similar problem, but did get the certificate. I question the value of the certificate, however. Can not use with Q & T fares (I assume that would apply to W and X, but not sure). Min. ticket value must be $298, Sat. night required, $99 campanion ticket must be booked in Q and gets no FF miles, EQM, or upgrade options. Must call to book, can not book on line - need to go to ticket office to redeem, etc. Likely better to buy two $200 tickets and get the listed items.

I never had a problem with mine...I did just upgrade it to a Platninum. When writing your letter, don't rant too much. Just state the facts and state that you are not particularly satisfied with the product as to what was promised.

Hope this helps.

Exactly. Not sure why you got the card just for the companion cert. I think I got one with my card but I just tossed it because it wasn't worth much to me.

I thought you were to also get 2 PC passes every year... ?????

My offer last year was for a World Master Card, but they sent me a Platinum instead - less miles, no companion cert, and no PC passes. The companion is of little value and I have a Lifetime PC - so do not need the passes. More for the extra miles and the principle of a bait and switch offer. I could give the PC passes to a friend. Worth the extra $25 per year for the card. I was then given the original World card. The biggest benefit for a Chase card is the double miles for cost of CO ticket and the occasional 1,000 mile bonus offers. Not sure if I will renew. I have a Delta card and a AA Visa card. The Delta card is free if you have any other Amer Express card. I view the AA miles as more valuable as AA awards are easier to obtain. A mile for each dollar is the same which ever airline you earn it on.

I'm not surprised to read this. Chase is horrible.

Had the same issue. I cancelled my account with them after not receiving my bill for one month and next thing I know I had a 35.00 late charge and all kinds of letters saying "did you forget to pay your bill or " having problems paying please talk to one of our service reps" I called them and told them that I never got a bill for that month and they wouldn't remove it so I said cancel the account and they said hold on, let me get a supervisor. She comes on and says we will remove the late fee and I still cancelled the card.

I have yet to see the advantage of a fee based credit card that get me only miles which are very hard to use. Wouldn't it be better to use a rebate that sends you a check (most pay 1% ) which can be used to buy a ticket?

No fee sure beats paying or have I missed something?

The continuous credit card monthly actively does keep a dormant FF account open with an airline that you may not fly very much anymore and allows you to top it off to claim an award.

They are scammers, what a class action suit waiting to happen. I am still waiting after 18 months for there promises...