Citi Bank

Citi Bank is a trusted bank in the Philippines. They have pretty good products, both in banking and credit. My brother-in-law has a Citi Bank Gold Visa, which I manage, because he lives outside the country but still maintains a local credit card.

Although Citi Bank is reliable in being online and accurate in their billing, their annual fees is getting to be too much. It is about $20 higher than other credit cards of the same category. I can't say much about the interest, as we pay the entire amount when due date comes.

But there is a hitch. If you are delayed in paying even for just a day after the due date, and even if you pay the entire amount, they charge you with interest and finance charges. Unlike other banks that waive the charges if the entire amount is paid, Citi Bank is merciless.

Also, most banks offer the waiving of the first annual fee, however, subsequently, you can also request the waiver of annual fees if you are a good customer. But Citi Bank would not entertain such. I guess they are such a big company that they really don't need to listen to individual concerns like that.

Their customer service through phone banking are also not very amiable and accommodating. I have called the company about three times, and I didn't like the way they handled my concerns.