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Gabriel R

1 reviews | Active since Jul 2011

05 Mar 2023, 09:30

False advertising - Compulsory credit insurance for credit card account

I app**** for credit card online and then requested a call back to finalise the application. When the consultant phoned and I enquired about the costs, she told me I need to take out credit insurance balance protection as it is compulsory. Alternatively, I need to provide them with proof of any current credit insurance policy i already have with another service provider. This is absolute non-sense. No other bank makes it compulsory except African Bank. Furthermore, nowhere on the Capitec website or brochures does it say you need compulsory credit insurance. In fact, it only says for term loans that this is a requirement. This is false advertising so be careful of Capitec as all their products have catches which is not disclosed even in their T&Cs. Will also be reporting this to Advertising Regulatory Board.

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Replies (3)
Capitec Bank
Capitec Bank's reply05 Mar 2023, 09:33
Official
Good day Gabriel

Thank you for letting us know of your concern, and for your patience while we explore this matter. We have assigned your query to a designated official who will contact you within the next business day. 

Kind regards 
Capitec Bank
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Gabriel R's update20 Mar 2023, 06:56
Reviewer Update
Got a call from Capitec representative who then despite me repeating the story, asked if I am going forward with the application to which I asked if I was still required to take out the credit insurance. She then had to check with the relevant department and said yes I would need to take out the insurance. To which then I answered no to the application. She then asked if I am going to take this the Ombudsman to which I answered yes, and to the Advertising Board as well as this is false advertising. She commented she was going to recommend to their internal department to update the website to reflect the requirement of credit insurance. Still don't see any update on their website and still waiting on email/written confirmation of this fact so that I can log the complaint with the respective bodies. People, be very careful with Capitec. They are dishonest and work under the assumption that all their clients are uneducated and will rob you blind if you don't know better. They may offer sometimes what looks like cheaper products compared to other banks, but there are hidden T&Cs which are not disclosed until you are on the phone with them. All banks offer cheaper bank accounts similar to Capitec - have a look out for FNB EASY ACCOUNT, ABSA TRANSACT, Standard MyMO PAYT and Nedbank PAY-AS-YOU-USE - all these accounts are comparative to Capitec's global account and even offer cheaper monthly and transaction costs than Capitec. Don't be fooled by Capitec and their products.
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Gabriel R's update26 Mar 2023, 10:42
Reviewer Update
I am still waiting on written feedback to this complaint so that this can be referred to the Ombudsman and the Advertising Authorities.