US Ariways Dividend Miles Master Card

Consulting Firm: Phoenix Arizona

My company acquired a US Airways Dividend Miles credit card. I prepaid the

account about $25,000 in order to purchase furniture for a home in Mexico.

When I got to Mexico I learned that although the funds had cleared my

checking account (and had for several days), there was a hold on them. The

lady apologized and consulted her supervisor and after being on hold for

almost 30 minutes at $1.00 / minute roaming charges, informed me that the

funds would be available the next day. Embarrased, I explained to the

furniture company the problem and changed my plans for the next day to come

back and re--purchase the furniture.

When I arrived at the same warehouse the next day the card was again

declined, even though it was showing on the internet as a negative $25,000

and I was buying $7,000 in furniture. When I spoke with the supervisor she

was rude, demanded that the company had the right to put a hold on deposits

and accused me of lying about whether someone said the funds would be

available the next day - insisting that they "could not know for sure" when

the funds would be available - even though they had long past been credited

from my account. I tried to be polite and indicate that I did not object to

the funds being on hold, but I objected to not being told that they were.

If I had been told, I explained, I would have gone down there with $25,000

in traveler's checks. She was rude.

I don't care about that, arrogant people in service industries are often

rude, but I did care about the $25,000 the bank was holding.

I asked her to cancel the card and return the net $25,200 balance owed to me

by that bank. She indicated that I would have to request that in writing.

When I returned to the United States I called the bank issuing the card and

asked them for an address to which I could mail my request for repayment

with a return receipt, and they refused saying they only receive mail at a

PO Box but that I could fax it. I faxed it two weeks ago and have not seen

anything. As of this moment, the bank has had use of $25,000 of my money

for over a month without any indication as to if/when they will imburse me

the funds. They have embarrased me not once, but twice with the company

from whom I purchased furniture. They lied to me, and accused me of lying

to them.

I am a reasonable person, and have been flying with Americawest (now US Air)

extensively for six years. This experience has caused me to consider

ditching not just the card - but to stop flying US Air as a result of their

choice to lend their name to such a bank.

My experience with US Airways Dividend Miles Mastercard was the worst

financially related transaction experience I have had in probably 20 years.

I would steer any business away from them.

John Villegas-Grubbs MBA, MC, Principle and Managing Partner

Johnston, Villegas-Grubbs and Associates LLC

Comment On This

I filled out my application at the LV Intl Airport & they must have typed in the wrong ZIP Code. They sent my first card & statement to a zip in Oregon - 1 off of the real code. I called & fixed it, was issued a second card to the right address, and then they sent my next statement to the wrong ZIP again. I was issued the late fee (which was eventually waived) but hoisted to the default 22.99% rate. I have since spoken to their Pakistani customer service line 4 times without being able to get anyone to help fix it. They read pre-programmed responses off of a card and re read them if you ask the same question.

I cancelled my account today and am in the process of transferring the small balance to a real company. DO NOT APPLY WITH THIS COMPANY! They are funded through Barclay's Bank Deleware.