First Premier Bank Master Card / Visa - received unsolicited card - $ 250 credit limit and fees of $ 178 - unable to speak to human at company - so mailed certified letter of cancellation

Complaints.com received the following on February 28, 2003:

From: Email User

RE: First Premier Bank Master Card / Visa - received unsolicited card - $ 250 credit limit and fees of $ 178 - unable to speak to human at company - so mailed certified letter of cancellation

First Premier Bank MC/Visa - billed for exorbitant fees without requesting, activating, or using card

Several weeks ago I received a VISA/MC credit card from First Premier Bank without request. I was appalled to see the ridiculous terms of the card; it had a $250 line of credit with fees before even using the card of $178.00. I telephoned First Premier Bank to tell them I did not want the card, but their telephone menu has no menu option to talk to a CSR to tell them about this sort of a problem.

I did not activate the card and I cut it up. I did notice that the sticker on the card did not have a message saying I needed to activate the card, which I found very odd. On 2/27/03 I received a bill from First Premier Bank for $178.

I called the 800 telephone number and after many tries found a way in so I could talk to an actual human being to tell them I wanted the account closed. I spoke with Sue in SoutDakota and she insisted that I had applied for the credit card, despite my telling her that this was not the case. I then sent First Premier Bank written notification that I want the account closed.

In my letter, I complained about the following: (1) despite the fact that I did not want or activate the card, I received a bill. In fact, it appeared to me that anyone could have gotten the card in the mail (I have an unlocked rural mailbox) and begun using the card without activation, since there was no "activate this card" message on the sticker. (2) There is no way to contact First Premier Bank through their website; they have no "contact us" or "email" on anywhere on their site. (3) Unlike any other credit card, there is no "speak to a customer representative" option on First Premier Bank's telephone menu.

In my letter, I told First Premier Bank that I expect written notification from them that they have received my letter and have closed my account. I sent my letter by certified mail. I complained to the FTC and FDIC about First Premier Bank's sales practices. Really outrageous!

Comment On This

They will report this to all major credit bureaus wether you use the card or not. So make sure you keep copies of any written communication or letters you send to them. Next check your credit report and dispute it now or you will have it on your report for 7 years.

Comment On This

I received the card in the mail yesterday with $179 of fess before you can even use the card! I did inquire about the card and wanted to see if I would get approved,but there was no way to activate the card! It is rediculous! You have a $250 limit and can only use $71 of the card because of the outrageous fees! I do ont know what TO DO!

Comment On This

I just received the same Credit Card and a bill at the same time and I do not know what to do . They do not have the option to talk to a representative and I do not even remember applying for this Credit Card.

I need an advise.