“Dear Steve,
Citi Bank recently raised my interest rate from 9.5 to 29.99, even though I had a perfect payment record. This raised my monthy payment from $300 t0 $750 per month. I called them, and they agreed to return my interest to 9.5 if I agreed to not use my card and allow them to draft the $300 from my checking account, which I agreed to. I have a FICO membership for alerts, and was just informed that Citi reported that I couldn’t pay my payments and that they had agreed to a “special repayment agreement” with me. My FICO score dropped 61 points.
Can they legally do this? If so, is there a way to negotiate a payoff for less than I owe (i owe them @ $11k, and restore my credit score?
Robert”
The Answer:
Dear Robert,
It sure sounds like when agreed to the modified terms with Citibank for them to return you to the old rate that you agreed to a “special repayment agreement” other than your regular terms which would have been 29.99%.
You said, “is there a way to negotiate a payoff for less than I owe (i owe them @ $11k, and restore my credit score?”, No.
Your credit score will rebound from this. Just make sure you continue to use credit and pay your bills on time.
And the reason Citibank raised your interest rate and payment, it’s simple, because they can. Under current regulations any creditor can modify the terms of the credit agreement at any time with 15 days notice. The way to avoid that happening and being surprised is to not carry a balance.
If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.