Nextcard Platinum Visa is a deceptive rip-off; customer service witheld information that closing my account would increase my interest rate. Phoenix, Arizona

I have never been late on a payment for my Nextcard Platinum Visa. As a platinum customer,I received the benefit of a 9.9% interest rate, but was unaware of the consequences if I elected to close my account. After receiving poor customer service from a Nextcard representative in regards to a miscellaneous fee on my statement, I requested that my account be closed. The Nextcard representative made no attempt to keep a good paying customer, nor explained that by closing my account my interest rate would increase from 9.9% to 19.99%. I never heard of such a thing and have never been penalized for closing a Bank credit card in the past. I became aware of the interest rate increase on my following statement in November 2001.

I contacted customer service and they denied to reopen the account or lower my interest rate. To me this is a deceptive business practice when Nextcard's customer service representative doesn't even make an attempt to disclose the increase of interest rate or refer me to the terms & conditions of the account. Today I continue to pay my bill on time and feel as if I have been swindled by a fly by night bank.

Kurt
West Hollywood, California