Sears, Charlotte, NC - not given 2.9 % APR on new credit card account, as advertised

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on December 30, 2002:

From:

RE: Sears, Charlotte, NC - not given 2.9 % APR on new credit card account, as advertised

Just before Christmas, I shopped at Sears using the Sears credit card. When the salesperson swiped the

card, a message came up on the register screen indicating that I was approved for a Sears Master

Card. Signs all around the register indicated a 2.9% APR and a $10 discount on the first purchase. I

accepted and proceeded to use the card throughout the store spending just over $400.

The discount was not reflected on any of the receipts so I spoke with the manager of the store who assured me it would be credited to my account. We walked together to the salesperson that handled my first purchase and he too assured me that the 2.9% was effective immediately but was not clear on the $10 discount. Eight days later, I received my invoice and the APR was 16.9%! I immediately called the questions number

listed and spoke with four people all who told me that the 2.9% was for first time applicants. Despite the

fact that the offer came up with the first use of the charge card and the assurances of both the store

manager and salesperson, I was told there was no way to adjust the rate! It took many phone calls and several days to get satisfaction, but Sears finally apologized by giving me 0% for 90 days.

It infuriates me that this could happen. Makes me wonder how many folks will be paying this exorbitant rate thinking as I did that the offer extended would apply. I wonder too how many will even notice or will be intimidated into paying. Debbie

Charlotte, NC