Consumer complaint received 2024-11-02
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Fees or interest — Problem with fees
Company: Atlanticus Services Corporation (TN)

I charged {$17.00} amount in XXXX and paid {$25.00} to cover a minimum payment amount mentioned on website, that was only shown due on website from XX/XX/year> purchase. After amount paid, I charged the {$350.00} amount in XX/XX/year>. The company then added an annual fee totaling {$120.00} and " forwarded '' that amount to the XXXX statement. This forwarded amount caused a fee charge of {$25.00} stated as " late payment '', and interest fees of {$10.00}. This annual fee did not show on the account when opened, and instead showed a {$500.00} credit limit. This amount also would have only had the account standing at {$440.00}. Instead the account shows an amount of {$500.00} for XXXX. They added a {$25.00} late fee although payment was scheduled to come out in time, and created the late fee by taking payment at a later date. This created a one day past due amount. They also charge a {$9.00} overlimit charge, and a {$10.00} limit charge. Based off their information, I should have been reported late, however due to me actually paying on time I was not. Instead I was charged the additional fees due to their fees and system. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. In XXXX and XXXX I had no way to contact company. Once able, I contacted them in late XXXX via online for assistance with payment due to medical and explained how I could not return to work until XXXX. I offered proof of problem. The company stated they could not help, but that I could make payment. I was soon able to come up with {$50.00} of my last money. 

Once XXXX came and I was able work again, I made another payment totaling now to {$90.00}. I also had a payment scheduled of {$160.00}, but was confused on the fees and the amount they were stating was due. 

I called the company and requested a complete breakdown of information. While on the call I explain my XXXX XXXX and that I reached out prior before due to them. The company states they closed my account just days prior, without warning. They also stated that my minimum payment went up to {$210.00} and must be paid in a few days to avoid another {$41.00} fee. Confused, I asked for a breakdown, date of when account was closed, and assistance with a supervisor due to XXXX XXXX 

Once transferred to the supervisor, they stated they could not send me anything and that I had until Friday to make at least a {$100.00} payment and they will issue an up to 50 % match pay. The website however stated {$160.00} previously minimum, causing confusion. Uncomfortable, asked again for paperwork due to the fees being placed and not understanding why the minimum was now 61 % of the actual purchases made on the account. I stated to them I don't mind paying if they could validate the information, but due to the information online not matching what they stated over the last few months I was not comfortable, and still not comfortable with the amount being requested. 

After research I see the company has in their guidelines that they will change the minimum payment amount and charge whatever amount they choose at any time. This guideline seems to be an ill practice and should be investigated as well. 

I will most likely also be putting a complaint through the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX