Experience of Experian monthly free trial offer

clara_23

Hi there, just to share my experience with you all perhaps as a cautionary tale. I took out a free monthly trial with Experian to check my file. The access was easy and useful to see where i was. After consideration of whether to keep going after the month's free trial ended, i decided that £178 per year (£14.99 per month) was too expensive for me, yes it does give a premium against identity fraud however most banks/credit card providers cover you for this.

I dutifully rang the number given on Experian's website to cancel and was met by rather a hard sell approach to try and stop cancellation starting with " (a)nd how do you intend to improve your credit score?",in a tone of being scolded for cancelling (my score is in the good - excellent category so heaven knows what anyone else would have got if they were in dire straights). I was totally disgusted, after saying that it was my private business I had to stand my ground not to be pushed into any other "purchase of alternative service". A dreadful way to handle customers. Wont be going back there im afraid.

Tiddlywinks

What did you expect though? The free trial is a marketing tool to get more customers... it's only profitable if they retain your custom into the chargeable period... of course they're going to try the hard sell.

They haven't refused to close the account. They haven't taken any payment from you... you got a free service for a month and all you had to do was listen to a sales pitch - hardly the end of the world.

BugsyBrowne

clara_23 wrote: »

Hi there, just to share my experience with you all perhaps as a cautionary tale. I took out a free monthly trial with Experian to check my file. The access was easy and useful to see where i was. After consideration of whether to keep going after the month's free trial ended, i decided that £178 per year (£14.99 per month) was too expensive for me, yes it does give a premium against identity fraud however most banks/credit card providers cover you for this.

I dutifully rang the number given on Experian's website to cancel and was met by rather a hard sell approach to try and stop cancellation starting with " (a)nd how do you intend to improve your credit score?",in a tone of being scolded for cancelling (my score is in the good - excellent category so heaven knows what anyone else would have got if they were in dire straights). I was totally disgusted, after saying that it was my private business I had to stand my ground not to be pushed into any other "purchase of alternative service". A dreadful way to handle customers. Wont be going back there im afraid.

Experian target the weak' fortunately you didn't listen to them.

There so called credit scores are meaningless numbers sold to the weak.

clara_23

I really am so sorry that you felt it necessary to comment so vehemently on my post. Clearly unlike yourself, this forum is used by people who like me, are trying things for the first time and finding their way in as it were. If you had taken the time to visit Experian's sales pitch it reads that one may cancel, hassle free, before the end of the trial period.

I was merely trying to provide others with my experience in the hope that they don't have the same experience or at least be prepared...Equally I wasn't aware that Id indicated that this was the "end of the world" as you eloquently put it either. If this sort of post irritates you, may I please ask that you don't bother responding, you clearly have an advantage with your extensive knowledge of all matters money. Those of us who are still learning will carry on and share information and experiences. Meanwhile I will pray for you tonight that you find grace.

brokebuthappy

I feel for you Clara 23 as I do think first time posters get short thrift on mse money boards nowadays. It takes a lot of nerve for someone to post for the first time and I do wish you and others received a warmer response, not snarkiness. I've noticed this for a while now and even though I've been a member since 2004 it puts me off coming here too often.