Mantu & I had to needlessly visit Standard Chartered Bank (Main Branch) today. I was immensely annoyed by my latest credit card statement reflecting a minimum due amount far more than the one I was expecting. My belligerence couldn't be contained and today was the best opportunity I had, I figured, to launch an all-out assault.
The visit proved to be fruitful and the anomaly was settled even before I could lodge a complaint. However, I've learned a few facts about paying your credit card dues:
HDFC Bank's Bill Payment facility is like a thick-skinned ass that just won't listen. After being bugged continually for months, I had finally acquiesced to avail the facility to take care of my Hutch phone bills. I regret the decision.
When the bank had failed to pay my bill last month even by the penultimate due date, I called up their support desk. The personnel was apparently clueless about the facility and gave me the impression that the bill pay facility would have to be manually triggered each time the customer intended to make a payment...no automated facility here! What the heck is the use of such a facility, I protested. The meek fellow at the other end was apparently feeling the heat as I relentless questioned him on the issue. I let him off the hook and resigned.
I paid the bill the usual way via my mobile that night. The next monthly bill was a shocker. I came to know that my bill amount was paid twice, once by me and once again by my bank owing to the Bill Payment facility!
Why didn't HDFC Bank intimate me about the payment it was making on my behalf? I just might as well embrace the fact that banks and I don't mix.
The visit proved to be fruitful and the anomaly was settled even before I could lodge a complaint. However, I've learned a few facts about paying your credit card dues:
- Banks dissuade cash deposits. They'll even charge you extra to drive home the message.
- Credit your deposit to the loan number, not the card number; if your statement carries one.
- Don't bite more than you can chew. Don't go for too many cards.
HDFC Bank's Bill Payment facility is like a thick-skinned ass that just won't listen. After being bugged continually for months, I had finally acquiesced to avail the facility to take care of my Hutch phone bills. I regret the decision.
When the bank had failed to pay my bill last month even by the penultimate due date, I called up their support desk. The personnel was apparently clueless about the facility and gave me the impression that the bill pay facility would have to be manually triggered each time the customer intended to make a payment...no automated facility here! What the heck is the use of such a facility, I protested. The meek fellow at the other end was apparently feeling the heat as I relentless questioned him on the issue. I let him off the hook and resigned.
I paid the bill the usual way via my mobile that night. The next monthly bill was a shocker. I came to know that my bill amount was paid twice, once by me and once again by my bank owing to the Bill Payment facility!
Why didn't HDFC Bank intimate me about the payment it was making on my behalf? I just might as well embrace the fact that banks and I don't mix.
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