Citibank closed my emergency CC without warning due to inactivity—WTF?!

[Anonymous]

I got a letter today saying that "Because of the length of time your account has been inactive, we've closed it."

This was "My life has gone straight to hell" emergency card and had a $25,000 limit. Fortunately, I have other resources I would tap into first, but kept this as my absolute last resort.

It was the only card I had besides an Amazon rewards card (with a small limit) that I use for our everyday household expenses and the debit card for my checking account.

What really sucks is that they wouldn't just re-open the account—I would have to start completely over! They'd pull credit reports that would lower my credit score, and I'm sure I wouldn't get my high limit back. I started to re-apply but got so PO'd I told them to cancel it.

I told them I thought it was ridiculous they can't send a warning so I could use the card to keep it active instead of just closing it. I asked if there was a law and they said no, that's just what they do after 25 months of inactivity (it's actually been longer than that).

Obviously I didn't read the fine print. Just venting and hoping to warn others. Anyone else have this happen?

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

Did you re-open the account or let it go?

[Anonymous]

Citibank has been rescued like 4 times by the taxpayers for complete incompetence


Populated by absolute losers.

[Anonymous]

Long ago, and now my backup card has 1 recurring autoexpense on it (which I am not going to name because people will mock me). It gets paid automatically from my bank account, is a pretty small charge, and keeps the card active.

[Anonymous]

This happened to me, but with Bank of America. I never received a letter stating my card was cancelled or would be cancelled. I only found out after I logged into my online account and the card no longer appeared.

[Anonymous]

Op, I’m note sure why you think they are in the wrong. They are a business and there’s back office expenses. Are you paying an annual fee? If not, why would you expect them to provide services if you aren’t using your card?

[Anonymous]

This happened all the time to cards during the credit crunch in 2008-2009. Also to HELOCs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, I’m note sure why you think they are in the wrong. They are a business and there’s back office expenses. Are you paying an annual fee? If not, why would you expect them to provide services if you aren’t using your card?

OP here, I actually don't understand it from a business perspective. They spent administrative resources to close it, send me a letter, deal with me on the phone, and lose any future business from me FOREVER. Why not send a warning and keep me?

I had the card for 30+ years, and I've occasionally paid interest on balances (but no fees). I haven't used the card for about 3 years, but my history would indicate it likely I would, especially if I were specifically reminded that I needed to. And definitely if I had to tap into it for an emergency—in which case I would be paying interest until I got back on my feet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, I’m note sure why you think they are in the wrong. They are a business and there’s back office expenses. Are you paying an annual fee? If not, why would you expect them to provide services if you aren’t using your card?

. OP is just looking for a letter of warning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Long ago, and now my backup card has 1 recurring autoexpense on it (which I am not going to name because people will mock me). It gets paid automatically from my bank account, is a pretty small charge, and keeps the card active.

OP here, good advice—I would definitely have done this if I'd been reminded instead of cancelled without warning.

[Anonymous]

In credit card company vernacular, you are considered a "deadbeat." I'm not even exaggerating a little bit. That's the actual name for people who have a card and don't use it.

Yes, they will cancel it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, I’m note sure why you think they are in the wrong. They are a business and there’s back office expenses. Are you paying an annual fee? If not, why would you expect them to provide services if you aren’t using your card?

. OP is just looking for a letter of warning.

OP here—thanks, that's it. I understand they must have the numbers to support their policy, but I just don't get it. Is it really more cost effective for them to incur the cost of closing the account (and processing a new application if the customer wants) than sending a reminder? I can't be the only customer who has gotten so annoyed they lost them for life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In credit card company vernacular, you are considered a "deadbeat." I'm not even exaggerating a little bit. That's the actual name for people who have a card and don't use it.

Yes, they will cancel it.

OP here—I've been called worse!

But why not send a reminder? Like I've said, I would have definitely used the card again.

Oh well, lesson learned! Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Hope this will save someone else the aggravation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, I’m note sure why you think they are in the wrong. They are a business and there’s back office expenses. Are you paying an annual fee? If not, why would you expect them to provide services if you aren’t using your card?

Sorry you are dealing with this, and I totally get why you would want & expect a notice first.

I can see why a business wouldn't want to leave a high balance like that open if it's not being used. A record of using and paying regularly is sort of reassurance for them that you are in the habit of paying, you know?