Private Bank, does not deliver on their promises.

Your dedicated Private Banker is your single point of entry for your banking and financial needs. You can be assured of confidentiality, discretion and professionalism in all our dealings with you.

This is the advert on the website.

I am Private Bank client for many years at the Tyger Valley Branch in Cape Town, now situated at Century City. The problem is that for the past 3 to 4 years I do not even know who my Private Banker is and had no communication what so ever.

On Monday I phoned them requesting a Visa letter, I then received an application form which I completed and returned immediately. By Tuesday I still didn't had a reply and send a follow up email which then went again unanswered. I then started chatting online with a representative of ABSA, Judith Nickson. See the transcription: CHAT STARTED AT 2:52 PM (31 Jul 2018) JAN HEYDENRYCH 2:52 PM I am a private bank for many years now, but for the last few years does not even know who my personal banker is. Queries go unanswered, Yesterday I requested a visa letter which I urgently need, I still haven't received same or a reply. My travel partner went into the bank and got his immediately. What is the use of being a private bank client?

You are now chatting with Judith Nickson

JUDITH NICKSON 2:53 PM Good day Jan, you are chatting with Judith Nickson. I will be assisting you with your request.

JUDITH NICKSON 2:55 PM Our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused. Please advise which department did you request the Visa letter from?

JAN HEYDENRYCH 3:00 PM From Century City in Cape Town, My reference is ********** 2 and Client Code Heydej034. I am a bit frustrated at this stage and it just seem easier to go to my local branch, get the bank statements and visa letters as struggling any further with private bank. To get something from Private Bank, I must phone, then tell my story, then wait for their email, then complete the forms, then send it back, then ask why are you not answering me?

JAN HEYDENRYCH 3:01 PM Can't I just walk in at Private Bank and get it all doen?

JUDITH NICKSON 3:05 PM Kindly note, I will follow up on your request using the above mentioned reference number, and I will provide the letter.

JUDITH NICKSON 3:08 PM I have found the request, and i will be emailing the letter shortly.

JUDITH NICKSON 3:09 PM Apologies again Jan.

JAN HEYDENRYCH 3:09 PM Thank you Judith, but I also need bank statements for three months, 4 copies stamped, I need 4 Visa Letters, One to Netherlands Embassy, ons to Britsh Embassy, then I need for my wife stating on her letter that I am funding the vacation. As you can see I need much more but how do I get all these letters and statements?

Judith Nickson has ended the chat

CHAT ENDED AT 3:20 PM (31 Jul 2018)

Judith then phoned me and I explained my problem and requested bank statements and more visa letters; See email: Dear Judith

Thank you for your assistance this afternoon.

As advised I need the following.

Visa Letter for me, one addressed to the British Embassy and one to the Netherlands Embassy.

I then need the same for my wife but with additional comments, see attached example.

I then need bank statements for 3 months, 4 copies original and stamped on each page.

PS : I have just received my one for the UK

I followed the above email up with another today, no reply forthcoming.

My question is, Is this the service that a Private Bank client can expect to receive despite the fact that I pay more for banking services than the normal client.

It is absolute no use being a client of Private Bank as I will get better service just walking into the nearest bank.

I you care to respond, you may do so or just ignore it as the rest.

Regards

Jan Heydenrych