When I was in Buffalo about a month ago or so, I went into Macy's and opened up an account. Usually I don't open up accounts at stores, but they were having a deal, if you opened an account you would save 20%. So...I took the bait.
I received my bill late last week and I sort of ignored it and planned on just going online and paying it. Great in theory, not so much in practice.
I went to their website, and in order to pay the bill you have to 'register' for an account. I tried to register, but it won't take non-American postal codes (zip codes), so I couldn't pay online. Grr, strike one...
I then called the number to pay by phone, but I couldn't do that either because you have to have a U.S. chequing account. Also, if you pay by phone, they nail you with a $10.00 administration fee. WTF?! Strike two and three...
So tomorrow I get to go to the bank and get a money order and send it in...and the bill is going to be late so I'll get dinged with another charge for that. I *hate* paying anything late, and the thought that I'll get dinged with a charge for this is really annoying to me. Next time, I'm going to pay the charges on the card when I'm IN the store.
***Kathy, yes, they knew I was Canadian when I filled out the application form. When they asked for my ID, I showed them my passport. They also needed my social security number, but of course, I didn't have that since it's an American thing, so they wanted my social insurance number. I'm kind of kicking myself that I gave all that info for such a stupid discount. I'd consider writing a complaint letter, but I doubt it would do any good...
Catherine, the only reason that I'd buy the money order from the bank (as opposed to the post office) is that I don't pay for them through the bank. It's a nice little perk.***
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4 comments:
That sucks. When you filled out the account, did they ask you for your mailing address? Did they not notice that you were CANADIAN. Irks me! You should write a letter to Macy's.
I hear ya! The exact same thing happened to me earlier this year when I opened a Kohl's account. Needless to say I'll be closing that puppy down next time I'm south of the border. Because of course I can't do it from here. Ugh!
Anywho, another option that might save you one step is to buy the US money order at the post office. That's how I do it all the time now and it works out great. Just an option.
How frustrating! I'll be sure not to get any US store cards. Thanks for the heads up.
big ugh...
very frustrating.
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