Jun 20, 2008 12:22 PM
3360 Views
Maybe it's because HSBC claims it's the world's "local bank" that it treats its customers like village idiots.
Yesterday I received a direct mailshot from the bank. India's not big on direct mail, largely I suspect, because nobody can ever find the bloody addresses. In the west we have postcodes. They do here too, but you also generally need to give somebody a landmark. So your address might read: Golden Enclave, 2nd Cross, 10th G Main, Government Layout 2nd Stage, Bangalore 560027 and then a little instruction: "opposite the water tower, just left of the bakery. no, no, not there Dumbo, I said left of the bakery."
The mailshot ran:
Dear Cardholder
We at HSBC are committed towards building lasting relationships with our customers by offering them maximum value through our products and services.
We have noticed that there is a fee-related outstanding amount on your HSBC credit card. As you are a valued customer of HSBC, we have reversed the outstanding fees on your credit card as a one-time service gesture.
What's more you will get a 10% cash back if you spend more than Rs 1, 000 on your HSBC credit card before 30 June 2008. The maximum cash back amount will be Rs 500.
However, should you choose not to use your credit card before 30 June 2008, your sanctioned card limit will be withdrawn in toto for security reasons.
In case you no longer have the above mentioned card, please complete the attached form and return it to us in the enclosed Business Reply Envelope to receive the credit card.
Yours sincerely
HSBC Card Products Division.
Well first of all, when I took the card out, there were no fees mentioned and as soon as a fee did appear I called the customer service department where somebody apologetically explained that there had been a mix-up and I wouldn't be charged anything. At that point in time, most of the charges were reversed but they've slowly been creeping up and I've just as steadfastly been ingnoring them. Mind you, HSBC in India is the same bank which charges you when you make a cash deposit.
As for building lasting relationships though, they would appear to only last for as long as the customer uses the card. The message here is, use it over the next fifteen days or we'll prevent you from using it at all.
Interesting too, that the enclosed form with all my details printed on it, encourages me to replace my card for one where "the first year annual fee. will be waived [BUT] normal annual fees will be charged from the 2nd year onwards." I tried to call HSBC but as expected, the number given on their website was unobtainable.
