Contact 6 helps resolve Best Buy credit card payment issue

MILWAUKEE -- Some stores offer special financing and deals with zero percent interest on big ticket items like a big screen TV, an iPod or a laptop, but before signing up, FOX6's Contact 6 has some tips.

Mike Maxon bought a flat screen TV from Best Buy for $1,700 three years ago. It's perfect for him and his family.

"It's been a great TV and the service at Best Buy was good," Maxon said.

Maxon said he made his payments on time -- often paying more than the minimum. He even bought his wife a laptop last year and put it on the same card. He thought he only had $450 left to pay for both items. However, when he opened a recent statement, his balance was suddenly over $1,700!

"I'm having a heart attack, actually! It was first thing in the morning and I thought someone stole my credit card!" Maxon said.

Maxon immediately called Best Buy's credit company. They explained he missed the deadline for paying off the TV. Because the TV and laptop bills had merged, Maxon didn't remember the initial deadline. The company offered him a deal -- pay $966 and save $800. He agreed to the deal, but...

"I'm going to be honest with you.  I'm calling Katrina Cravy at FOX 6.  I'm going to explain what happened.  I think you guys did me wrong here," Maxon said.

Best Buy told FOX6's Contact 6 when a customer has two or more promotional offers on their account, payments are split between all offers to ensure minimum payments on all promotions are satisfied. Then, the last three months of the offer, the item gets the full payment.

So, even though Maxon thought the TV was paid off already, it wasn't, and interest accrued for the entire three years. Two days after Contact 6 got involved, a rep from the credit card company called Maxon. Soon, he got a check and his balance was zero.

"She said 'Mike, I want you to know we were wrong here.  We see you were a great customer.  We're really sorry.  And if we take care of this right now, will you let Contact 6 know that it was resolved?'  And I said 'I certainly will.'  And I had a check three days later, so I'm tickled!" Maxon said.

Contact 6 says Best Buy went above the call of duty on this issue, since the method of payment is listed on the statement. It says the customer is our number one priority.

Contact 6 says this incident serves as a good reminder to write deadlines for special offers on a calendar because you might not always see the details on your bill.

CLICK HERE to file a complaint with FOX6's Contact 6.