Dealing with credit card companies can at times be difficult and frustrating. Often these feelings come about when you disagree with how the company does business; but, they may be following their own guidelines, ones you agreed to when you took out your credit card.
However, there are times when credit card companies do things that are simply wrong. It may be that they are not following through on their commitments or they may have done something that is ethically wrong. In such a situation, it is important to know where you can file a credit card consumer complaint.
Read on to learn how to file a credit card consumer complaint and then be sure to check out our free credit card finder tool on our home page to help you find a great credit card!
Deal Directly with the Credit Card Company First
It is always advisable to attempt to resolve problems with a credit card company by dealing with them directly. Make a formal complaint to the company in writing. Use certified mail so that you have proof of when they received it. Give them two weeks to get back to you.
If you have not been contacted by the company within a two week time period, call them and ask to speak with someone who can handle your type of complaint. You may need to speak to multiple individuals before you get to the right person. If that person is powerless to remedy the situation, ask to speak with his or her supervisor. Often those in supervisory positions have more power to help customers than actual customer service representatives. If you have done this and things are still not resolved to your satisfaction, there are still other avenues open to you.
Contact the Right Federal Regulatory Board
The Federal Reserve Board is one of the places where you can file a credit card consumer complaint. In fact, for those whose credit card is through a state-chartered bank, it is definitely the right place to start as the Federal Reserve Board investigates concerns with state chartered banks. The ideal way to contact them with a complaint is by mail. Expect to get an acknowledgment within 15 days. The Federal Reserve Board may or may not have the power to resolve your complaint, depending on its nature. However, they enforce five different acts which protect the consumer and will help you find the right place to get help if they cannot.
The contact information for the group is:
Federal Reserve Consumer Help
PO Box 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55480
888-851-1920 (Phone)
877-766-8533 (TTY)
877-888-2520 (Fax)
Email: [email protected]
www.FederalReserveConsumerHelp.gov
If your credit card is from a National Bank, you will need to make your credit card consumer complaint to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This section of the US Department of the Treasury regulates national banks and helps resolve issues between banks and consumers. In order to file a complaint with the OCC, there are three ways to do so. The recommended way to do so is to go online get the Online Customer Complaint Form. You can also print the form and send it by mail. Alternatively you can mail or fax a letter to the OCC.
Comptroller of the Currency
Customer Assistance Group
1301 McKinney Street
Suite 3450
Houston, TX 77010
Toll free: 1-800-613-6743.
TDD Number 713-658-0340.
Fax: 713-336-4301
There are also many other regulatory boards which may be the overseer for your credit card company. The “Office of Thrift Supervision” and “National Credit Union Administration” are two of these. If you are still unsure about which group to contact, start by calling the OCC toll free number and they will help you find the right place.
Contact the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is one of the best known consumer advocate groups. Few things speak louder than a poor rating with the BBB, especially when it comes to getting new customers. This organization is based in the United States and Canada and deals primarily with businesses there. There are local BBB franchises serving practically all parts of both countries. These businesses fall under the Council of Better Business Bureaus, which provide them with guidelines and cohesiveness. Their major goal is to establish trust between consumer and seller. With this in mind, they provide detailed reports on businesses, including complaints and how they are dealt with.
How to Proceed After the Credit Card Complaint
If you are having problems with your own credit card company, you may want to look into the possibility of canceling that card and finding a new company that prioritizes customer service. There are many credit card companies out there that are competing for your business. For that reason alone, you should never stay with a company that is not treating you the way a valued customer should be treated.
You will often find in the process of looking for a new card that there are many other credit cards available with better rates than the one you presently have. Many also have much better rewards programs, lower fees and other perks.
Get started today comparing the different credit cards that can meet your needs by using our credit card “Chaser” card comparison tool!
