HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Kardashian sisters have canceled a debit card deal they endorsed after it was blasted for having outrageous fees.
According to the Associated Press, an attorney for the sisters put a halt to the card on Monday by sending a letter to the companies involved that the reality clan would no longer endorse the product.
Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian had their images on the prepaid Mastercard from University National Bank, which launched on Nov. 10. The card immediately came under fire for several reasons. For starters, an individual would have to pay $59.95 for six months or $99.95 for 12 months just to have the card, with the person still having to add money onto it to make purchases. After those six or 12 months were up, the consumer would then have to pay $7.95 a month to keep using the card, along with additional fees that could include $1.50 for each ATM withdrawal.
The high fees caught the attention of Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who warned on Friday that he would investigate the program to see if it violated state laws to protect consumers.
"The Kardashians have worked extremely long and hard to create a positive public persona that appeals to everyone, particularly young adults," the attorney representing the three sisters said in a statement Monday. "Unfortunately, the negative spotlight turned on the Kardashians."
Gail Hillebrand, director of Consumers Union's Defend Your Dollars campaign, also warned other celebrities to watch over their endorsement deals.
"Any other celebrity or business that is thinking of associating its name with a prepaid card should take a close look at the fees and protections, and say 'no thanks' unless the fees are low and the missing consumer protections are added," said Hillebrand.
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