Customer Service Reps with a BRAIN!
Written: Jun 14 '00 (Updated Jun 16 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Intelligent service; Good web site; Free L.L Bean shipping; No fee
Cons: Sometimes a long hold to reach live reps; Not the lowest APR
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| kwasa's Full Review: L.L.Bean Visa (MBNA America) |
It is always refreshing to call MBNA. Unlike many other customer service representatives, MBNA's employees sound as if they actually finished high school and probably college as well. With very few exceptions, they are personable and competent. Clearly, their management has vested them with enough training and authority to ACCOMPLISH something.
From the start of the call it is apparent that the MBNA associates are different. It never sounds as though they are reading off of a script. When they answer, the tone is confident and interested. Another thing which distinguishes them is introducing themselves by their full names, rather than just "Joe," which always strikes me as so unprofessional. How many times have I called some company, trying to reach an employee I had spoke with previously? It is a little game they like to play, "Well, M'am, we have four Joes here..What did he sound like?" I don't know what he sounded like! The point is, don't make it feel like WORK when I call you.
Any problem, they act happy to solve. There was an instance when my payment arrived late, even though I mailed it on time. They quickly obliged me, waiving the late fee. The hold times to reach a live representative can be long. Once you have someone on line, though, be sure that they will help you as much as you need, never rushing you off the phone.
If you do not want to speak with a human, they have a useful web site. Up to the minute account activity is shown in an easy to read format. Another bonus is that you can see transaction details from past statements. I will never waste a stamp again after discovering the online bill payment feature. It is reliable and 100% FREE.
My first MBNA card was a Johns Hopkins Alumni Mastercard. A percentage of every purchase went to their scholarship fund. Feeling selfish last year, I decided to switch to the L.L Bean Visa. As far as I am concerned, the best perk is the free FEDEX shipping on all L.L Bean purchases. It was a lifesaver over the holiday shopping season. My only gripe is that there is no clear explanation anywhere on how to redeem the coupon dollars for L.L Bean merchandise. It took some calling around to figure it out.
Be aware, MBNA's interest rate is not the lowest around. As I try to pay the balance in full every month, it has not been an issue. The only thing which I care about is that there is no annual fee, and there is not.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kwasa
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Location: New York's Capital Region
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 14 members
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