Shocking Disgusting *********** Staff

25.08.2018 So off I go to purchase gas. The card is not working according to the teller, despite a number of attempts, and the machine requesting that the card is swiped. As it is a Standard Bank card machine, I leave and go to another gas vendor, only to have the card declined three times (error 05 and error 100). So, I call ********** (11:45) and after speaking to Tessmas proceed to the Absa bank at Vaal Mall. After waiting for over an hour I am eventually seen by Sylvia who informs me that the chip on the card needs a software update. I patiently wait for this to be done and then insert the pin code and am informed by Sylvia that all is in order and that I be assured that the card is in working order. I asked if I should test it, and was told it was not necessary! Well, guess what – what a crock of nonsense – the card still does not function, after I tried using it. I then call ********** again and speak to a chap who is clueless (13:14) and whose name I do not get, but who decides that I need to speak to the card division and transfers my call – well the recorded message informs me that the number does not exist! Charming! I call ********** again 13:19 and first speak to Raymond (who was hopeless) and I inform him that I require the issue to be escalated. After a lot of nonsense speak, he tells me to call another number. I ask him if he has a computer in front of him and whether or not he can type on the machine the message that I am fed up and that I want the matter escalated and finally the penny drops, and he sees sense and he then tells me that he will transfer me to his manager. After waiting a for what seemed to be forever, someone called Isaac comes on the line and proceeds to inform me that if the card was in the vicinity of a cell phone this could have caused the malfunction and a lot of other nonsense which obviously was the cause of the card not working and after looking at the system finally informs me that the card was blocked earlier in the morning. I asked him to tell me on whose instructions the card was blocked and he appeared clueless. While he was waffling, I was notified that my airtime had run out and I asked him to call me back which he undertook to do, but, as a good Absa representative has not done so. Par for the course, in my humble opinion! If this was the case that the card was blocked, why did Sylvia at the bank not pick this up? Did Isaac actually know what he was talking about? I am totally frustrated and disgusted with the ineptness, incompetence and verboseness of the Absa staff who do not have a clue what is going on! How on earth do Absa survive with such inept staff – don’t bank on any more NEW clients if this is the level of service that you peddle! I intend posting this message on HelloPeter.com for all to see just how appalling your bank is to its clients!