PATHETIC ABSA CREDIT CARD SERVICES

I received an ABSA bank credit card on 30 May 2018 after going through the whole process of doing an online application, submitting my FICA documentation twice, going through and accepting the quotes with limits with the agent, multiple phone calls to ensure that everything was in order, only to realise that it was far from it.

On 2 June 2018, I attempted to use the credit card for the first time but the ATM stated that the card was not activated. I then called ABSA credit cards and was informed that it needed to be activated in the branch, and that I needed to take my card and my ID. I asked if there was anything else and whether my FICA was in order, and was told no that is all I need to bring along.

On 3 June 2018, I went to the ABSA canal walk branch to activate, and was told that my FICA documents were pending despite me sending it twice and an agent saying that it was in order. I then went to get my FICA documentation and returned to the branch where it was captured. However my full information was not captured correctly and the agent had to update. She then said the card and pin works, and I would have to wait 24 hours for it to be activated.

On 4 June 2018, I got an SMS saying that my FICA documentation is compliant. I then attempted to use the card and again received a notification that the card needed to be activated. I then went to the ABSA Mowbray branch where I stood in line for half an hour because there was only 1 agent working, and was told that my card is now pending limits, something that was agreed on in the application and quote. The agent then called ABSA and was informed that my FICA was outstanding, despite the SMS that I received. He then informed her of the SMS and she went to investigate. She then said that there was a disconnect because the FICA guys are saying my documents are compliant but the authorisation guys still have it as pending. She then promised the agent at the Mowbray branch that they would get back to me before midday on 5 June 2018. I also lodged a complaint via the email address, and got a response requesting my details.

On 5 June 2018, I received no feedback from the agent as promised, however I received an email from the complaints stating that I would receive a phone call from someone within 8 business hours. This email was received over 24 hours ago, and 10 business hours.

I don’t understand what the problem is and I don’t think ABSA understands either, I refuse to use petrol to go to another branch or to use my airtime to phone another agent who will escalate the matter. Do the agents not know what they are doing?