Banking during lock-down

With modern technology one would think that something like “banking” would become easier during lock-down instead of harder! Oh, if only!

Unfortunately at the start of lock-down I had some fraudulent activity on my credit card. The bank was great and within seconds my card was cancelled and a new one was being issued. Only thing is that I would need to pick it up at the same branch as last. No problem or so I thought! Received the sms to say that it was ready for collection only for the branch now to be closed because of lock-down! Now if only they had advised me of this prior to just sending it! All they had to do was inform me that certain branches would be closed and give me the alternative, but no, that was not worth considering! I now have no option but to wait until the branch re-opens! Lets just hope that I do not need a credit card until further notice!

Fast forward and I look at how I can “tighten” my belt, just to be on the safe side, by getting rid of any unnecessary expenses. I scrutinize a few statements and discover that my garage card is actually in credit, as I have always had an automatic amount go off instead of the minimum required amount. For once I was ahead of the game! Both cars filled with petrol and none of us doing any driving seems logical for me to now cancel the payments since I am in excess already and do not really need to build up this “reserve” any further! Try to do this online, but because the amount is more than R250 I need to call the call centre, which of course has an automated message advising me that the call centre is closed and therefore they are unable to assist! I try alternative numbers, just in case. There is of course a menu of 10 options for your different inquiries, and after trying each of them and 20 minutes of holding later on more than 1 occasion I eventually speak to someone who tells me that I have come through to the wrong department, but reassures me that the department I do need to speak to is open, gives me the number to call in case I get cut off and what do you think happens? Yes, the same circus of an automated message as to how their office is closed during this time! 2 emails later, both advising me that they will respond within 24 hours and still nothing! So much for internet banking or a call centre! Can you imagine me having to try and get the debit order reversed, because I can guarantee you, they will also charge me for that!

The only option I now have is to go into a branch! So much for social distancing, especially when you actually do not want to go out there!!

Do you feel my frustration? All I want to do is to stop a payment which is NOT necessary so that I can conserve some cash and not have to take the banks up on their payment holidays, should I require this further down the line. Heaven forbid I need the payment holiday, will there actually be someone on the other side to attend to my email, never mind my call?

If only “the bank” would call me, like my medical aid. They actually called to see how I am doing and if I needed a response to anything that might still be outstanding from them! Now that is what I call service! It is when service providers make doing business with them easier and not harder that you remain loyal, especially during times of crises! After banking with the same bank for decades, I know that I should not let one incident leave a bitter taste in my mouth, but it makes it hard especially when it should not be this hard! If I cannot do my changes telephonically, please allow me to do so on your App, which you also redirect me to! I wonder if I can withdraw all my savings and hide it under my mattress like in the old days? It does make for easier, stress-free access.

Breath Ophelia breath! Oh and make sure to keep your social distance, wear your mask and sanitize for heavens sake!

Until next time

Love, light and positive change

Ophelia