Fleet Bank Watch out, or they'll fleece you out of every dime they can get. rip off Horsham Pennsylvania

In 1991, I received a pre-approved offer for a (then) Colonial Bank credit card. I accepted, and was turned down.

Several calls later, I spoke with Joe Saunders, then vice president of marketing, who agreed to issue the card. Mr. Saunders has since booked from Fleet and is now the head of Providian Bank, another credit card issuer which is in deep trouble.

Over the years, as I paid my bill my limit was increased. One day I received a notice stating that the account was now qualified for a Gold card which I would receive shortly. Several weeks went by without the new card, so I called the bank. I was told that they changed their mind...I would not be receiving the card.

Note for history buffs: during the 90s, Colonial became Advanta, and Advanta became Fleet.

After many calls, Fleet agreed to send the Gold card. I continued to charge and pay my bill.

In July, a few years back, I received my renewal card. Then a few days later, I got a notice saying the card would be replaced with a new number. The new card never arrived.

I called the bank and was told that it would not be issued because I had missed a payment on the account. Additionally, the interest rate went up to near 30%.

After lengthy negotiations, the bank agreed to lower the interest rate and, after six months of prompt payments, reissue the card.

Well, guess what, the interest rate was never lowered, and I had to call each month to get a credit for the overcharge. After six months, I received a new card, but then every six months or so, they lowered my credit limit...which effectively blocked my use of the card.

Then I was told by a lady in the "Executive Offices" that my card would not be renewed as I didn't qualify. We went back and forth, then she talked me into sending a $1,500 payment, and assured me that she would request an override to the decline by the credit department.

She wouldn't return calls or correspondence for weeks. Needless to say I didn't get the card, and I finally received a letter apologizing for any misunderstanding.

There was no misunderstanding. Fleet Bank plain and simply lies.

P.S. Fleet, as a bank, hasn't done well the last couple of years. It's no wonder. They've been sued (and lost) for deceptive practices in at least one civil action. As I recall, the Attorney General in Minnesota was chasing after their reality operation for some other dirty deed.

Rich
Sacramento, California
U.S.A.