First Banks Money First
I've had great credit for over 20 years and a few years back decided to take advantage of the competitive rates on balance transfers that everybody offers. First Banks offered me a low rate so I transferred some other card balances.
Everything went well until I made a payment that was due July 4, 1999. Since the post office doesn' deliver on Sundays it got there July 5th. The next statement showed a $29.00 late fee.
I was pissed, but let it go, figuring okay, I'll be earlier next time.
In August and September I paid the majority of the balance, not noticing that even though I was still within the "low introductory rate period" they hiked the interest to around 18%.
I made it a point to send my October payment at least seven days early since it was due October 13, 1999. You guessed it! October 13th was Columbus Day and the post office (and the banks) have a holiday. It arrived on October 14th and First Banks decided to charge another $29 late fee, this time on a $15 balance, plus hike the rate again - to 24%.
This really pissed me off so I called the customer service number and complained. My answer "It was late, end of story".
I paid the balance and sent along a nasty note concluding with "You've just made an enemy with an elephant's memory". Another bank, years back had charged me a late fee for being one day late (my fault that time) and when I called them they said "you've never been late before - we'll remove it because we appreciate your solid payment history."
No response was forthcoming from First Banks, but they still send me those d**n checks as if nothing ever happened. I take great joy in tearing them to pieces.
Needless to say, I have since been telling anyone who will listen to boycott First Banks and their "Money First" attitude.