Absa Premium credit card and Bidvest Slow Lounge

On 2 Aug 2023 I phoned ABSA creditcard division and said to the lady helping me that myself and my wife visited Bidvest Slow Lounge at Jan Smuts Airport (that’s correct) in Jhb on our way overseas. I had my ABSA credit card and had to pay an amount of R400 plus (can’t remember correct amount). As we are again travelling overseas I wanted to know what the current financial situation is if we visit the Bidvest Slow Lounge again, me having a ABSA Premium credit card (what will it cost for me and my wife). The lady informed me that I have 12 visits a year to the Bidvest Slow Lounge and me and my wife’s visit will then count for 2 of those visits - NOTHING TO BE PAID!

I asked her again whether she is a 100% sure that there will be no costs involve for the fact that my wife will accompany me, and she confirmed - No costs, it will be the first 2 visits of the 12 visits I qualify for the year. We went to the Bidvest Slow Lounge today and on entry, was informed at the counter that my wife does not qualify, there is a R400 plus amount to be paid. I also found out that there are other criteria for me to qualify as well - amount of transaction previously done with the credit card.

What also angered me, after having receive the original telephonic incorrect information from the ABSA credit card division I rated their service very high after the call!!

I wish ABSA can trace this conversation so that they can deal with the person, as well as her supervisor and/or whoever is responsible for having staff that is not properly trained to assist the public by giving them the correct informstion.

No, ABSA, “we apologise” will not help or rectify this situation.