Virgin refused to negotiate

kopicbloodaxe

I recently went from 0% Balance transfer deal on to the standard rate of 29.9% so I called them and asked if they were prepared to offer me any deals to reduce the rate. They refused point blank, even when I said I would close the account. Mind you, they did graciously offer to excuse me from the impending 5% hike to 34.9%. That was generous of them.

I've had a card with them for years, always paying on time via DD and have always managed to get deals in the past... but not now. So much for 'loyalty' then! Maybe they've got tired of not making much profit out of me?

oceanscape

kopicbloodaxe wrote: »

I recently went from 0% Balance transfer deal on to the standard rate of 29.9% so I called them and asked if they were prepared to offer me any deals to reduce the rate. They refused point blank, even when I said I would close the account. Mind you, they did graciously offer to excuse me from the impending 5% hike to 34.9%. That was generous of them.

I've had a card with them for years, always paying on time via DD and have always managed to get deals in the past... but not now. So much for 'loyalty' then! Maybe they've got tired of not making much profit out of me?

If you're able to do this, and I appreciate not everybody is, the best thing to do is clear the balance in full. THEN call up and ask if they have any deals.

I had nearly £10k on my VA Amex and when my 0% ended they fired my rate up to 29.9%. I cleared the balance and about a month later called back - they offered me 0% until March next year!

When you call up with a pre-outstanding balance they know they don't need to give you any deals.

Good luck

_Andy_

I'm not sure why the OP seems surprised. They're there to make profit.

td_007

I am surprised that the OP is surprised! There are numerous threads on this topic here....all with the same message - Loyalty does not pay.:eek:

kopicbloodaxe

I know loyalty doesn't pay. I read this site often enough

What suprised me was their refusal to budge - I hadn't encountered this before with Virgin. Even when negotiating from the same stand point of already having a balance on the card. A few years ago they gave me 2.9% for 6 months on the existing balance, which I took up because I didn't want to have to apply for another card at the time. I thought they might offer me the same sort of deal again... but nooooooo.

Anyway, 15 mins on the phone with Abbey and I now have approval for a card to which I can transfer the balance for the Santander 15 months 0% BT. Sorted!

dfh

Good for you that you have been able to transfer.But beaware of Shabbey.Their service is shambolic.

Debt_Free_Dreamer

I recently had my 0% end with Virgin (a week ago). Rang them up and was not offered any great great deals to stay, but they did reduce the interest to around 16%. Managed to pay if all off though, with a hell of a lot of juggling and an overdraft which will clear in a couple of weeks.