Costco receives tough criticism after credit card roll-out

It’s not exactly the smooth roll-out Costco was hoping for. The wholesale company has been inundated with complaints on its Facebook page regarding its new credit card from Citigroup.

So far, Citigroup says its received 1.5 million calls since people began using the Costco Anywhere Visa earlier this week. Some customers have complained about wait times while others have had trouble activating their accounts.

Related: Dori tells his Costco horror story

The June 20 Facebook announcement that customers could begin using the new Costco Anywhere Visa has more than 300 comments attached to it, many criticizing the change. Last year, Costco ended its 16-year relationship with American Express, after the two companies couldn’t agree on card fees.

A post from Wednesday that has nothing to do with the card is filled with complaints about the roll-out as well.

Thursday morning people were still expressing their distaste for the change. For example:

Costco could have done just a little research and discovered how bad the customer service is with Citi. They have always had terrible customer service. Lousy decision by mgmt. I’m sure it was bottom line based and not customer based. Shame on you Costco

Costco has responded to customer concerns. However, it doesn’t seem to be ending the the flood of social media comments.

Maybe things aren’t so bad

But maybe the change isn’t so bad, KIRO Radio’s Tom and Curley point out.

If people can’t pay with their card, their going to have to write a check or have cash. If they have to pay by check, it will back up the line and that, Curley says, will give shoppers time to think if they really need “50 gallons of mustard.”

“You know what’s funny … you start to see your own mortality [while you’re standing in line,” Curley said. “You’re standing in line like ‘I’ll probably be dead by the time I get through all of this.'”

People need to think about if they will pass on all the items they buy from Costco to their children, Tom Tangney quipped.

“That’s a lot of mayonnaise. That is a lot of mayonnaise,” Curley repeated. “I’m 53 now. If I have one tuna sandwich a week … You walk if for dish detergent and maybe the fore-mentioned tuna and then you’re like, ‘you know what, darn it, I think I’m going to buy a boat. And throw four tires in there too.”

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