I recently had an argument with my credit card company that went something like this:

Credit Card Company Rep: Sir, I am calling because it has come to our attention that your billing address is a bill payment service. For security reasons, we need to change your address back to your home address. Do you still live at: [my old Atlanta address].

Ravenwood: Why, no I don't. My company moved me three times last year, and I may be moving again in the future. It is much easier for me to have my billpay service ensure that all my payments are made promptly and efficiently.

CCCR: Well sir, we do have the 'quickpay' option that you may want to take advantage of.

Ravenwood: I'm not giving you access to my checking account.

CCCR: Well sir, the 'quickpay' is easy and con..

Ravenwood: [cutting her off] I said, I'm not giving you access to my checking account.

CCCR: Well sir, I need to change your address back to your home address for security reasons.

Ravenwood: [gruffly] Ok then, please cancel my account. If you cannot meet my needs as a consumer, than I don't want your business.

CCCR: Well sir, we are sorry to see you go. If that is your decision, than I will transfer you to our cancellations department.

Ravenwood: I'm not going to wait on hold.

CCCR: Well, I'm sure the hold will be brief, and I am not authorized to cancel your account for you. I work in the security department.

Ravenwood: Well, I'm not going to let you change my address, and I'm not going to be put on hold. You are going to have to pass my sentiments on to the cancellations department.

CCCR: I cannot do that sir. [She finally sees the impasse I've worked her into] You can always call back and cancel when it is more convenient.

Ravenwood: Ok, that is what I'll do. [click]

I've actually had this battle with more than one credit card company. It would seem as though they get really nervous when sending mailers to a different address. Given that their replacement credit cards sometimes go to those addresses, I can understand their unwillingness to assume the responsibility.

Still, I firmly believe the customer is always right. I usually get my way, and since I don't carryover a balance on the card, I am prepared to cancel it if I don't get my way. Besides, I'm not about to give out my credit card information to someone that calls me. In my opinion, that is a huge security risk as well.

And if they think I'm calling them back, they're nuts.