Unhelpful Credit Card company

mattg2379

Good morning to you all, and a Happy New Year.

This is my first post to the forum, and I'd love to receive some feedback/help from you guys if possible.

I have started off the new year in style, and am aiming to clear off my existing debts and start saving. (just the realisation alone made me feel happy! )

I currently have £2275.81 debt on my Capital One credit card.
I had to default on the last three months payment due to the inability to pay, and I buried my head in the sand. (No more!!)
The minimum payment is now £582.75.

I got through to a rather unhelpful call centre operative who could barely speak English, and was told that if I start making payments of £80.00 per month, that would clear the minimum payment and the usual payment.
I requested a payment plan offer letter/description of the plan for my records and so that I could see what the offer was (and understand it) before I made any payments and was told that a letter wouldn't be sent out until I made my first payment. I told the guy I wasn't willing to pay for a plan that I didn't understand or have any record of.

I then asked about cancelling the card and paying off the remaining balance in installments, which he said I could not do, as if I cancelled, the full amount would have to be paid.

At first my initial instinct was to cancel the card altogether, but I sometimes think it may be prudent to keep the card in case I need it in the future, (having paid off the outstanding amount first).

Can I freeze the interest/halt charges? I seem unable to get another card to do a balance transfer, so no 'TARTING' for me.

Does anybody have any suggestions? If you could help me in any way, I'd love to hear from you. I just want to get it sorted and out of my life once and for all. If you need any more details, just let me know and I'll post them.

Many thanks

Matt

immoral_angeluk

Ahh capital one, nothing suprises me with them TBH. It took me 1/2 an hour on the phone just to get the (indian) guy on the other end to understand that I wanted to pay my balance in full and close the account.
I don't have any advice but wanted to say good luck as I know what complete eejits they are to deal with.

Storm

Personally I would say to make the first payment straight away as it shows a willingness to pay - if you've missed 3 payments already you want to show that you're not just ignoring it otherwise they'll start with the nasty letters & phonecalls.

Why don't you post a full SoA with all your incomings, outgoings & debts so others can see your full situation & if there's money that can be freed up to go towards clearing your debts

rog2

Unfortunately you will find Credit Card Companies are usually less than helpful, when you need help. Capital One are well known for their less than understanding attitude towards people who, for whatever reason, find themselves in a situation where they are unable to make a full payment and, quite naturally, ask for help. They will, however, be very quick to add on disproportionate charges for ignoring your genuine pleas for help.
May I suggest that you write to Capital One - customer services department. There are some good template letters on the National Debt Helpline website (Link at top of page) with your proposals. Send your letter by recorded delivery and request that all future communication be carried out in writing.
Do not offer any more than you can afford.
Have a look at the 'Reclaiming Bank Charges' board and see if you can claim back any charges that they may impose.