Citibank Credit Card Complaint

Citibank Credit card department,

Convenience checks New York

I applied for the Citi Simplicity card with 0 % interest for 21 months as I needed a new roof. I was sent a credit card and - checks with a credit line of $18000.00. My roofer does not accept credit cards so I called Citi and was told by agent that I could write out the check to myself and deposit into my checking account, then pay the roofer in installments as I wish or do whatever I wanted with the money. I find out after I took their advice and deposited into my checking account the check bounced back. Their explanation was I did not leave enough room in the check for the transfer balance fee of $540.00. I had no idea that after following their instructions I was making a balance transfer. In essence I was making a deposit in my checking account, not transferring money from - place to another. Representative insisted that was a balance transfer. I feel that was misguided and I was given wrong information on what to do with the check. I realize there are transfer fees when maybe transferring a credit card bill or other expense to another card, but I


it say this check was a balance transfer, in the paperwork it stated fees applied if I used this credit line as a balance transfer. I now find out from Citi that whether I use the check or the card thee is a balance transfer fee. Therefore false advertising of - % for - months is a mere smokescreen as to we charge you in other ways. More importantly, I followed the advice of the representative of Citi named - who guided me to deposit the check and pay contractors with my own checks. I feel I am wrongly charged the $540.00, and I dispute that charge on the grounds of unclear wording and misguided advice. Also to misleading the consumer and leaving out - important warning that if I did deposit it into my own checking account there would be a fee. I would never have done that had I known! I am asking for your guidance in this matter and I would like the public to know to be careful when using this service from Citi Bank without finding out what hidden fees - apply, or any fees for that matter. I am a widow on a limited income, which is why I applied for this so I could stretch the payments over - months. Unfortunately it was raining inside my house so I was forced to get a new roof, I totally could not afford -.