While I was in Chicago last weekend, I lost my credit card, the one I use for almost everything. Like the hotel. And the special spectator area with places to sit and buffets of food. And the fancy coffee.
At marathons, I always wear a light jacket with many pockets and leave my purse behind. It’s much easier to get through the security checks that way. So my driver’s license, the credit card in question, and my hotel key were in a pocket together. The lip balm to which I am affectionately attached was in the same pocket, and I imagine the credit card fell out one of the times I used the balm. (Note to Self: Put balm in a different pocket.)
Usually a lost credit card is cause for concern. Serious. Concern. Possibly. Panic.
So as soon as we returned to our hotel, I called Citibank to report the lost card (which is different from a card that’s been used fraudulently). Within minutes – that is, AFTER I got a human instead of an automated voice that wanted to tell me my balance – my card was cancelled and a new one was issued.
I’m quick to criticize corporate America for its interest in automating everything and making it difficult to talk with a human. My generation still remembers when humans were the standard and not the exception. So I want to compliment Citibank for resolving a problem quickly.
And, yes, I did have another credit card in my purse, so I didn’t have to hitchhike home.
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