I have a Macy's department store credit card which has been opened since 1999. Since that time, payments have always been on time, I have gotten CLI's, etc. Currently, I have a 1500 limit with them.
Back in late June, early July of this year, I would come home after work to see my caller ID display an unfamiliar number calling on a daily basis. Sometimes several times a day. First I shrugged it off as a tele-marketer, but I registered my phone with
www.donotcall.gov, so was wondering why I was being innodated with calls from these tele-marketers after specifically instructing them not to call my phone.
Then I thought perhaps it may be a CA calling for some bill I most likely forgot about years ago, and now it is time to "pay the piper" so to speak. (I didn't think that I owed anybody money, and for the past 3 years or so, have been meticulous about paying my bills on time and in full). Finally, I decided that I would return the call, and if it turns out to be a CA, I would deal with them.
Turns out, it has been Macy's calling to tell me I had been approved for their Visa card. The person on the phone told me all about the rewards that I would get, such as 3% back when used in store, and 1% back when used outside the store, among other rewards. I don't recall if she mentioned the CL. (I don't think so, but it's moot point nevertheless). She never mentioned anything about the APR, nor did I ask. It was a mistake on my part not to ask, but it had just slipped my mind I suppose. I received the card about a month later.
Fast forward to today, I called last night, and again today, to speak with a CSR about getting my APR reduced. They both gave me the same song and dance. They told me that I am currently at a 20.15% variable APR on the VISA side, and this CANNOT be adjusted, by anyone - Not by a supervisor, not by a CSR - NOT BY ANYONE. Not only that, but they both told me that this is the policy for ANY of their customers. According to the pre-recorded message buzzing in my ear while I wait for a CSR, I get a friendly little greeting saying "Thank you for being one of our BEST customers." I proceeded to ask the CSR, "so you are telling me that anyone that has a visa with Macy's has a 20.15% APR, even your BEST customers?" His response was "This is exactly what I am telling you." If this is how they treat their "BEST" customers, I would not want to find out how they just treat an average Joe, or someone with less than stellar credit.
I found both of the CSR's responses very difficult to belive, so what are some tactics I could use to get them to lower my APR. I really do not want to give up this card, but would consider threatning to cancel should they not agree to work with me in regards to a lower APR.
Does anyone else who has a Macy's Visa have the same terms? 20.15% APR, and is this standard policy for Macy's not to consider lowering the APR?
As a side note, when I look on my reports, the visa is being reports on EX, and EQ, but not TU. I mentioned to the CSR that this account was not being reported to TU, and he assured me that it would show up there in the next 60 days.
My scores:
TU: 706 - 9/24
EX: 705 - 9/24
EQ: 693 - 9/24
Any input is helpful. Thanks.
