Difficulty Closing Chequers Account

On the 17/10/2017 I visited the Absa Branch in Hatfield to close down all my accounts with them. I was successful in closing my savings account, however, over the past two months I have had trouble closing my Student Cheque account after numerous visits to their branches.

The reason for non-closure is due to an Authorization Hold fee of R 1,00 for use of Apple Music on my cellphone. The bank consultants told me there’s nothing they can do, and that I'd have to contact Apple - and so I did.

I contacted Apple and this was their response after lengthy phone calls and emails: “ This is to confirm that the charge of R1.00 on your account is just for an Authorization Hold.

Authorization holds are sent to your bank first to ensure that the card is active and funds are available on the account.

As discussed, Authorization hold is the practice within the banking industry to verify online transactions initiated with a debit or credit card. These authorization holds can fall off the account, depending on the bank’s policy.

As much as I would really want to remove the hold for you, I am unable to do so as it is not showing a charge from our end. At this point, the best team to deal with is going to be your financial institution.”

Needless to say, the bank account is still open and accumulating bank charges. Today, 7 December 2017, the bank account has still not been closed down over a R1,00 the bank can simply remove.

I’m so appalled and livid by Absa and this entire ordeal. I need this matter attended to. I mean it’s ridiculous and totally unprofessional.