Citibank: Missing the Point

I tried to be nice.

Subject: Rate Increase
You wrote:

Hello, I'm writing to ask when my standard purchase rate increased to 14.99 from 8.99 (if I remember correctly). I'm currently living in Japan, and my statements are sent to my/my father's home in the states. He must have missed that notice, and I probably should have been checking my account online more regularly. Because the new rate is quite high, I'll probably pay off my account within the next month and then cease to use the card (unless in the event of an emergency). I understand that the banking sector is having difficulties right now, but I don't feel that I am a risky enough individual to warrant such a high rate. I don't mean that to sound too irritated (it's often difficult to convey tone through email), and I understand that you (the person reading this) aren't responsible for the current situation; so hopefully my query and complaint have not adversely affected your day. Have a good one.

Their response:

Subject: Re: Rate Increase
Customer Service Wrote:

We received your request to lower the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on your account. (Not at all what I asked about) Your variable APR for purchases is based on the prime rate plus 8.99%. Currently, the purchase APR is 14.99%. At this time, your account does not have an annual fee. (Also, totally unrelated to my query)

We would like to offer you a lower purchase APR based on the prime rate + 10.99%, currently 14.24%.(Wait, what? That doesn't make sense. If my APR is 8.99% plus the prime rate, how is 10.99% plus the prime rate better? And how does that suddenly equal 14.24%?)

If you would like us to make this change to your account, please notify us immediately. You can do this by responding to this message.

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I'm not so much angry as I am disappointed.

JetSetArnett Out.

Well first of all, I'd like to say **** off.