Jun 19, 2006 07:33 PM
3504 Views
While working for a big corporate house one enjoys many benefits e.g large discounts on memberships of hotels, restaurants, clubs, gyms etc.. The same is also true when it comes to Credit Cards. For almost every credit card, annual charges are waived. "Free for life cards" are a common sight nowadays.
I got this offer from HSBC some two years back and grabbed it as nobody was offering the same at that time. I must say that I am very happy with the services of HSBC.
By enrolling for online billing, they gifted a CD (songs). Their online service is very good. One can view the transactions almost immediately on thier web-site. The web site is not heavy and opens quickly.
They give 10% cash back offer from time to time. One has to enroll for it by calling customer care number or filling a form online. The offer is on certain categories like apparells, furniture etc.. One must enroll to avail the offer!! The cash is credited in the account after the scheme is over.
Its not that I have not encountered any problem but I always write back and HSBC Customer Care is too good. They always revert promptly and till date all of my problems/queries have been replied upto my satisfaction (mind it, I don't get satisfied easily ).
One has to be cautious and check the account from time to time. The money taken as fuel surcharge was not credited to my account once so I had to mail them and got the money back.
Regarding the Annual fee, I got the charges included in my monthly statement. I wrote back explaining that I have been told by their executive that its a free for life card. Next day I got a mail stating that the charges are reversed. So I can't say anything negative regarding their service.
I also tried their Telebanking service and found that it is also cool. They get to the point quickly and not let you roam around from one executive to another or one department to another.
Many rewards are offered by HSBC. For every Rs 100 one reward point is given. In the month of your birthday double reward points are offered. One can choose from many categories avaialable for redemption like Gifts, Gift Vouchers, Air Miles, Charities, Annual Fee. Rewards are delivered within no time at your doorstep.
HSBC has started distributing a SECURITY DEVICE. Now every time one logs on to account on Internet Banking, one need to enter existing username and password as usual, followed by the unique security code generated by the Security Device. This is done to protect the security of HSBC Internet Banking customers. (This will come into force from July 1, 2006). Has anyone heard about this device funda or any other additional security proposed by any other Credit Card people.
One thing I must say that I have not found HSBC offering any discounts on train or air tickets as done by ICICI, Citibank or SBI Card. Lets hope we see something of this sort soon. This will definitely boost their presence.
