Was lied to about Credit Card by Bank of Scotland

Djene

Hi guys & girls.

About two weeks ago I had an appointment with Bank of Scotland (my main Bank) about applying for a Credit Card. I had a look through the Credit Card product information booklet, and wanted to apply for the Classic Credit Card. I expressed this to the Advisor who was conducting my appointment.

She went through all the usual procedures, and said I'm eligible for the Platinum Card with a Purchase & BT offer. I expressed I only want the Classic Card, but then I was told if I take the Platinum Card I can downgrade to the Classic Card when the account is opened easily. I went ahead, now I have the card I went into another branch and asked how I could downgrade the card like I was told. I was then told "You can't do that with a Credit Card" Typical !

It now seams I was underhandedly sold a Platinum Card for some reason, and I was just told a load of bull about being able to downgrade it when it arrives. Surely an Advisor would have known you can't downgrade a Credit Card.

Is there anything I can do to get the Card changed/find out why I was told wrong information.

Thanks.

YorkshireBoy

Djene wrote: »

Is there anything I can do to get the Card changed

Doesn't seem like it. Maybe ask at another branch or ring their card operations team?

find out why I was told wrong information.

Making a formal complaint may result in a dressing down for the advisor, possibly a formal warning, or worse! Is that what you want?

Just out of interest (because I can't find the "Classic" card listed on their website), what benefit(s) does this card have over the Platinum?

Djene

I was told by another branch it is not possible to downgrade Credit Cards, I would have to close the account, wait 6 months then apply again. I'm just confused why an Advisor who should know how the system of the Bank she works for works, doesn't it seams.

I was only shown the Platinum Card, and then told I could downgrade it.

It is a branch only card, its not online. I just wanted a basic CC as I've no need for a BT Card. I got a bit keen BTing balances about a year ago and build up a little bit of debt which I've now paid off after some effort. So I just wanted a card I could do a little bit of spending on and pay off in full. (I'm not eligible for Cashback cards)

BMN

I believe trades are possible. Don't know whether you can switch to the Classic credit card though. Speak to the credit card services team.

shortcrust

Djene wrote: »

I was told by another branch it is not possible to downgrade Credit Cards, I would have to close the account, wait 6 months then apply again. I'm just confused why an Advisor who should know how the system of the Bank she works for works, doesn't it seams.

I was only shown the Platinum Card, and then told I could downgrade it.

It is a branch only card, its not online. I just wanted a basic CC as I've no need for a BT Card. I got a bit keen BTing balances about a year ago and build up a little bit of debt which I've now paid off after some effort. So I just wanted a card I could do a little bit of spending on and pay off in full. (I'm not eligible for Cashback cards)

Then just use the card in that way. You don't have to transfer balances etc. I honestly can't see any advantage in 'downgrading' the card.

TheNewGuy_2

This strikes me as being nearly impossible to prove.

YorkshireBoy

shortcrust wrote: »

Then just use the card in that way. You don't have to transfer balances etc. I honestly can't see any advantage in 'downgrading' the card.

OP just needs to find 90 days worth of willpower.

SnowTiger

Djene wrote: »

It is a branch only card, its not online. I just wanted a basic CC as I've no need for a BT Card. I got a bit keen BTing balances about a year ago and build up a little bit of debt which I've now paid off after some effort. So I just wanted a card I could do a little bit of spending on and pay off in full. (I'm not eligible for Cashback cards)

Can't you do that with the Platinum card you have? You don't have to take advantage of the balance transfer offer.

20aday

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Doesn't seem like it. Maybe ask at another branch or ring their card operations team?Making a formal complaint may result in a dressing down for the advisor, possibly a formal warning, or worse! Is that what you want?

Just out of interest (because I can't find the "Classic" card listed on their website), what benefit(s) does this card have over the Platinum?

If it's anything like the Lloyds Bank Classic credit card it's aimed at people with a poor/limited credit history.

When I looked at their credit card leaflet (to see what they offered) it was mentioned in there.

YorkshireBoy

20aday wrote: »

If it's anything like the Lloyds Bank Classic credit card it's aimed at people with a poor/limited credit history.

When I looked at their credit card leaflet (to see what they offered) it was mentioned in there.

So presumably it's a higher APR than the Platinum card then (thinking if life throws an emergency)? OP really needs to think this through!

Djene

Just been on the phone for 20 minutes to Card Services who have no idea how to downgrade a credit card, and that I would have to phone the applications/underwritting team tomorrow.

I was told quite simply by the advisor, that she did not know how to apply for a classic card, and that if I take a platinum card I can easily downgrade to a classic. I hope I wasn't just fed a load of Horse radish about that, but it seams like I was.

All I wanted was a classic card, I took a platinum card, even although it was not what I wanted based on the information I was told about downgrading from the advisor.

Sometimes you just want some humble pie instead a fancy meal :rotfl: