Barclay's / Visa
Complaint 32620 Details

2353 Youngman Avenue
Apt. 401
St. Paul, MN 55116

November 3, 2011

Mr. Amer Sajed
President
Executive Office of the President
Barclay’s Visa
PO Box 8885
Wilmington, DE 19899
FAX 302 855 2901

Mr. Sajed: RE: Complaint No. 784638

On November 2, 2011, I purchased a plane ticket and rental car package on Priceline.com. I was invited to opt to apply for a “Priceline.com Visa” credit card that would entitle me to an immediate $ 50 credit to the cost of my package if I charged the trip onto that Visa. I attempted to apply multiple times, only to receive a screen that indicated that for technical difficulties, the system could not proceed. In order to catch the rate of the package that was offered before it expired, I needed to purchase the package with another credit card that I have.

I called 866 922 7673, which was the number referenced on the rejection message to request a $ 50 credit, check, or gift card be issued because had your system allowed, based on my credit history, there is no reason why I would not have been issued a Visa credit card with your service.

I spoke with a pleasant Supervisor named Erica in your Newark, DE office who advised me that Priceline.com Visa was in fact run by Barclay’s, and that I already had a Visa account with Barclay’s. There is no way I would have known that looking at the Priceline.com website, but even so, any of your customers could have multiple Visa accounts with any one credit card company. Erica indicated that she was going to investigate the matter and call me back with some sort of recommended resolution.

Today, having not heard from Erica, nor having a number to call her at, I called and asked for a Supervisor, and was introduced to a pleasant gentleman named Malcolm, who, unfortunately, made several false statements:

o “The case was closed. “ However, no one got back to me for further discussion, so I do not know how the case could have been closed.



Mr. Amer Sajed
President
Barclay’s Visa
November 3, 2011
Page 2 of 2


o He then stated, “Erica attempted to call“ me. However, I did not receive a call, or a voicemail, from her. He then indicated that he didn’t know if she called me or not. So, why would he make such a statement in the first place?
o He then stated that my “application was rejected, and that is why I am not entitled to the $ 50 credit.” Then he stated that they had never received an application. So, my question is, how do you reject an application that you have not received?

My request is reasonable, and appropriate. While there could have been a simple resolution to maintain a positive relationship with a customer, new or current, your staff has failed to recognize this simplicity. Now, you have a situation on your hands that is suspect of a “Bait and Switch” scenario. While I would hope that this is not the case, I have now chosen to copy the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau, as well as USA Today requesting an investigation into your practices. May I strongly suggest that you do not attempt to alter my sterling credit rating in retribution.

A simple solution to meet my entitled needs would be to issue me a $ 50 debit card to the above address. From a Customer Service perspective, because of my time, and aggravation on this issue, it would be appropriate for you to send me a Debit Card generously exceeding $ 50. I will leave that choice up to you to decide.

You may contact me at the below listed phone number to review any questions that you may have. In the meantime, I look forward to your prompt feedback, and resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,



Harvey S. Perle
651 303 8889

cc: Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
(202) 326-2222

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
(703) 276-0100

USA Today
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 854-3400