Frustrated.

I really am trying to not be overly pessimistic . But thats rather hard after getting used to UK and European banking system having lived abroad for 12-years. it seems after returning the SA banking system is even more *****ed now then it was in early 2010s. This is not only FNB and all the major banks are guilty but id thought FNB would be the better option of the lot. For starters I pay (i think 600 odd rand pm) for a private client cheque account; not sure why but okay. I know i can downgrade; but im already committed to it so okay i just swallow that but its the principle.

Then there is the app, its bloated, overkill, laggy and just hard to navigate because of things like audio book purchase options, marketplace and several dozen other unnecessary features, think i even saw games on there the other day. The worst for me is the customer service, oh gosh, ive just given up asking since id rather pay *** pm for something i dont know what it is instead of holding and waiting for them. When i took out car insurance the agent made it sound like he was doing me a massive favour. Oh and just to hopefully inform whomever might read this on how *****ed this system in SA is. UK you dont pay “account fees” or “administrative fees” for a simple cheque account. Nor do you pay withdrawal fees at ATMs and bank transfers to other banks in UK say HSBC to Natwest, instant and free. I mean i pay about a 1000 rand pm in banking fees (not sure, why or for what). Okay its not gonna kill me; but its the principle. Why do we need to put up with such a overly expensive, banking system in SA. You'd at least expect impeccable service for the ******ionate amount SA citizens pay for banking fees. And please dont offer me ebucks dont want it not interested. Is a simple bank with a helpful willing assistant too much to ask for?