Did you know that credit cards can randomly change your plan because their marketing department decides you’re a good candidate for their new card?

Well, apparently, it’s true. I went online Friday to make an online payment to my account and received an error message saying I’d have to call a number. So I called, hoping that it was just a technical glitch…

It wasn’t. The sales rep on the line informed me that Citibank had closed my account and sent me a new business card. Now, I’ve never had a business credit card with Citibank, nor have I ever informed them that I might be interested in their business credit line. This had always been my personal account.

So, I was a bit disturbed that they would change my plan over without getting my permission. Oh, but they did, they assured me. They sent out a mailer a few weeks back explaining the new card benefits and giving anyone the opportunity to opt out of the new deal if they responded to the mailer. Those who didn’t respond, of course, agreed to the terms and wanted the new card.

I have no recollection of this mailer. And given how many credit card offers I receive each week, there’s probably a good chance it was thrown in the trash unread.

There was no notification on my online account that they were closing it in favor of this new account - which is, by far, the most obvious place I’d go for important updates. Just a random mailer sent out.

I’m still waiting for my new card to arrive in the mail. Wondering how they got my business information and whether it’s right.

I find the entire situation bizarre. I’m sure there are some privacy violations here, but then credit card companies seem to freely change their policies to suit their best interest. My father (an attorney) assures me that since there’s no monetary loss, there’s no point to pursue the matter legally. The legal costs don’t justify it.

So, I believe I’ll be closing my account shortly. Unless this new plan blows me away… I’m not holding my breath.