Forum Discussion
what's up with T-mobile removing autopay discount for credit cards?
I just literally signed up for a new plan - debit cards have fees for providers too - accessing my bank account isn’t a good approach from a security perspective (noting that T-mobile has been hacked...
That was announced months ago. It is because credit card companies charge a service charge that is based on the percentage of every transaction, which eats into T-Mobile's revenue. Removing the auto pay discount for credit cards negates that.
MellyBee wrote:In a chat conversation today with “Jivy”:
Me: Why is my credit card no longer eligible for the autopay discount?Jivy: To be honest with you that one of the reason why the credit card is not eligible for a Autopay discount is because when you use the debit card it will make sure that you have funds on your account and will avoid any back out payment that might cause you a draft fees.
Me: Draft fees don't apply to credit cards, only debit cards.
Jivy: We get your point. Also we want to continue to provide customer with the best value in wireless through our Autopay Discount program and the best way to keep this program is to get you to use either a bank account or debit card for autopay. I understand that you may still prefer to use your Credit card as a payment method, and I can help you work through your options. However, I strongly recommend that we switch you over to an eligible payment method so you can keep the discount. Is this something you'd like me to help you with ?
Me: The best way for ME is to use my credit card, and especially since T-Mobile has suffered not one but MULTIPLE data breeches, two just this year! Tell me again why I should entrust my bank account information to T-Mobile?
Jivy: I totally understand you on that. And as part of T-Mobile my apology for this kind of inconvenience. Our systems and policies prevented the most sensitive types of customer information from being accessed, and as a result, customer accounts and finances should not be put at risk by this event. If you prefer, you can still use your credit card to pay your bill, however it won't be eligible for the AutoPay discount.
So basically, a fancy-worded “go f*** yourself” from T-Mobile.
This chat with "Jivy" is great example of how TMO "experts" -- particularly the ones offshore -- have ZERO understanding of the security implications of this change. They offer silly scripted apologies but will never promise any restitution if something bad happens.
The key point is that if your funds are mistakenly or fraudulently withdrawn from your bank account using a debit card or account number, the funds may remain unavailable for days or weeks. I just read about a couple who had their entire bank account drained while on vacation. They eventually got their money back but the vacation was ruined. Before going along with TMO's latest "autopay condition," ask your bank about your protections if TMO has (another?) data hack.
