CreditCards Blog

I posted the thread below when I was offered a 0% promotional rate by Mbna - it explains what I thought it was - I was wrong :mad:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1288757

I've been charged interest, even though the guy on the phone said I wouldn't be - and having looked at things, I think I'm screwed.

The c/c bill showed a 0% promotional code.
The CS explained I wouldn't pay any interest as long as min payment made.
A letter arrived from Mbna stating 0% promotional offer.

Min payment made. Dec statment has 22.05 interest charged. So I called up, was told the 0% offer only applied from 06/11/08 - I had 1,900.00 from 01/11-05/11 so interest has been charged on this.

I was adament that nothing I had received had indicated a start date of 06/11 - the statement, the phone conversation or the subsequent letter. Mbna asked me to fax them a copy of the letter - said it must include a start date ( it doesn't !! ). BUT I've just looked at the Nov statement and it does show the promotional code against post 06/11 transactions, not those before. I genuinely didn't notice this before.

But because of this I think I'm screwed - it's my mistake. I don't think Mbna cs will backdate the promotional code out of 'goodwill'. And since any payments are applied against the 'lowest rate' transactions, if I want to avoid accumulating interest, i think I've got to pay off in full.

The code against the transactions on the statement is the killer ( I really didn't see them ) - but I talked it through with CS at the time and the 06/11 thing wasn't mentioned. But I still think I'm stuck with the interest as it was ultimately my !!!!-up - just wondering what other people think ?

Mbna asked me to fax them a copy of the letter - said it must include a start date ( it doesn't !! ).

Interesting. If MBNA said the letter must include a start date and asked you to fax them a copy of the letter I wonder what they will say when they see the letter doesn't have the start date on it?

I'd be inclined just to fax them the letter as requested and see what happens. Maybe they will say 'oops we should have put in in the letter, sorry, we'll waive the charges'.

Let us know.

You're only chance is to highlight any ambiguity in the printed material.

I think your chances are very slim, but your best approach is to ring them on the number I gave on your other thread (during office hours).

You're only chance is to highlight any ambiguity in the printed material.

I think your chances are very slim, but your best approach is to ring them on the number I gave on your other thread (during office hours).

Well good news ! I used the number you gave YorkshireBoy. Initially it looked bleak, but after the chap went away for a chat/review? he's agreed to backdate the 0% to 01/11 so the prior transactions are included, and to remove the interest charge. Emphasised this is purely a one-off, never to be repeated and if min payments not made/limit breached etc would invalidate all bets.

Obviously very happy with this outcome. I wasn't holding my breath that anything positive would come of the call, but thought I should make it 'just in case'.

Well done Somerset and Yorkshire!

he's agreed to backdate the 0% to 01/11 so the prior transactions are included, and to remove the interest charge. Nice one! :)