23/01/04
I also work in the Credit Card industry and I can confirm that Nicole is correct about 'downsellin g'. However, she did not point out that the promotional rates offered with a credit card should not be changed. It is standard practice to change the basic rates (cash and retail) associated with a card depending on the applicants credit rating. However, if you have been offerred a promotional rate on balance transfers or an introductory rate for purchases this must be honoured. In fairness to Citibank these promotional offers are often confussed with the underlying rate of the card because the sales agents don't explain this properly. The blame for this lies with the direct sales company who put the people in Airports and Service Stations, etc. and not with Citibank. Direct sales companies like the one who engaged Mick are often paid on commision for the number of applications they submit and the amount of balance transfers they sell. It is not in their interest to provide quality training to their staff as this would reduce their selling time and no doubt the amount of comission they get. My advise would be to take the time to understand exactly what the product is before signing up. I would never trust a direct agent who has probably been given minimal training by their sales company on the product they are trying to sell. If in doubt contact the credit card company directly, this way you should always get a straight answer. The Citi internet site is much simpler and easy to use (www.citicards. co.uk) than engaging in battle with a direct sales agent!

21/03/03
as an employee of citibank i can tell you this is standard practice. unfortunately it's all down to the term and conditions which - no matter how small - you should always read. 'Downsellin g' (where you receive a card with a lower limit / higher apr than erquested) is standard and explained in th t&cs. as for the cheque you received - again it's down to tick box on th application. You should have received a copy of the form on application and all this is explained.

26/08/02
Please accept my sincere condolences for Merlin. I lost 2 of mine and it was heart breaking. Interesting review. If you are after a low APR, EGG(www.egg.com ) is part of the prudential. Marbles(www.mar bles.co.uk) has 0% for 6 months and then a very low apr and also Halifax. Let me know if you ever require any free financial pointers, I have moved away from being tied to a bank/insurance company and now work as an IFA in Cambridge.(rach elmerrey@hotmai l.com).