ABSA Proof of Account Letters

In the business world, there are a number of circumstances where a proof of bank account is required. In the past, it usually required one visiting a bank branch, presenting one's ID and requesting a letter of confirmation, which was valid for 3 months. NOT ANYMORE!!!!

I have just been told by ABSA Northgate that they can no longer assist me and they turned me away saying i had to email ABSA. Unlike so many other transactions, where one has to present themselves at the bank for real identification, now they said to me that i had to email ABSA a request and it would be sent to me immediately! Firstly, this i believe to be less secure and secondly, it just wasted my time in driving to the branch to apply for the letter.

Thirdly, after eventually getting through to the Business Customer Services department (By phone as there are no emails to contact directly) I was informed of the following: a) Individuals may not email the "back staff" directly as they will not process the request b) It now costs R30.00 c) It will now take 48 hours d) You are still supposed to go in to a branch and on request, the branch is supposed to email the request through on your behalf!

In terms of business efficiency, this is TOXIC and i'm unimpressed. Your only saving grace is that id say the other banks are probably all as useless!