DaveinSC wrote:
I had posted that my NFCU Platinum card was offered to me with a fixed 9.75% APR. I read online that APR's were available as low as 7.99%. I called NFCU, asked for a rate reduction, and was told it could/would be lowered to 8.75% fixed. Thanked the nice lady, and thought it was handled. Checked my account online a week later, and saw it had NOT been handled. So, I called them a 4th time, and was told that it was not lowered.
Apparently, the interest rate I brought with me from USA FCU was a fixed rate (9.75%), and NFCU doesn't offer a fixed rate, they only offer a variable rate card. Me and the rest of the cadre from USA FCU are grandfathered in with a fixed rate product...for the time being. I was told I could get a variable rate of 7.99%, but that it was variable and subject to change. I told the rep thanks but no thanks, I'll keep my fixed rate of 9.75% and put the card in the sock drawer. I don't need the 15K credit line, and have been jerked around enough. 9.75% is my highest APR on ANY tradeline, and although I PIF every month, I just don't need to use this card. If I need to carry a balance, I'll do it on my USAA Plat MC at 6%.
I was hoping that NFCU would turn out to offer the same great customer service I've become accustomed to getting with USAA with whom I've had a successful relationship since 1990. I see that's not to be the case. The 4 different NFCU customer service reps with whom I've spoken all seem to be on different pages, and that does not inspire confidence. Anyone else experience this?
9.75% fixed is, as I'm sure you know, a rarity in todays finance world, for a revolving credit card. The lowest rate that NFCU offers on credit card products, as thrasher mentioned, is a 7.99% variable rate on the Platinum. It sounds like the first rep probably submitted your request to change your APR to a lower fixed rate APR for review, and it was declined, but with a counter-offer for the lowest/best rate available.
I really don't think that you have anything to worry about with NFCU, because they can't or won't offer you a customized product that's not generally available. I've found their customer service to be very good & responsive, even if the response is "No, Ma'am, we can't offer you that." And, since you don't carry balances any way, I'd say it's a non-issue. Not to mention, NFCU is almost always offering some low rate BT deal, so you may find it advantageous to give them a 2nd look if you do ever have a balance to carry.
But I like USAA a whole lot too, and I bounce back & forth as to which I like better. You might be a bit perturbed with NFCU today, but I wouldn't count them out as a stellar lending institution with above average customer service.
Starting Score: EQ: 665 - TU: 687
