Nedbank Only Concerned about Big Business Clients

I am very dissapointed at the service given by 2 Branches

On Thursday 21 November just after 3pm, I went into the Hayfields branch to finalise a business account application which I had completed online. I had received no feedback from the online application hence I had to go into the branch in the first place. After more than an hour with the business banker, he was only able to open the account. I was told to come back the next day to collect my card and be setup for online banking.

On Friday 22 November, just before 11am I returned to the Hayfields branch to complete the process only to be made to wait over an hour to be helped. I was then referred to the bulk teller to collect my card and setup online banking. The bulk teller asked me to wait outside in the waiting area while he 'sorts it out'. After a lengthy wait, with no communication regarding the status of my account, I had went back to the bulk teller who only then began sorting out what I needed. By this time I had been in the branch for closer to 2 hours. After receiving my card and online banking details I logged on in order to begin transacting. It was then that I noticed that the limits on the account were too low and could not be changed via the online banking.

I then went back into the branch to get the limits raised. While the business banker at this time did not have any clients to see to, I was asked to once again wait for the bulk teller. After waiting to be helped again, I decided that I would go to another branch to sort it out as the staff were more concerned abouth their lunch order which was messed up.

I went straight to the Scottsville branch to get assistance where I was initially told to 'wait as there are many clients waiting before me' . I explained my situation and was then referred to a consultant who assisted me with resetting the online banking details. I had asked the consultant if everything was now in order and her response was that it is in order.

On Friday evening I tried to transact on the online banking platform where I was locked out. I called the business call centre and they told me they cant assist as I need to go back into the branch to sort it out.

On Saturday 23 November I went back to the Scottsville branch to sort out my account only to see that the business banker was not in. I was referred to a teller to assist me with my query. The teller was unable to do anything on the account as I was now told that the account is restricted due to Fica. They were unable to explain what happened and why it happened. I had submitted all the required documents on Thursday when opening the account. By this point I was standing at the teller for a long time. Upon enquiring with the Hayfields branch, the business banker at that branch was also not in. As such they were unable to assist me.

The account is till today, restricted and I am unable to find assistance from anyone as it is weekend. Most nedbank channels are closed on weeknds and even the channels which are open, don't have the 'mandate for business account s' The complaints page on the website does not even work. I had initially indicated to the staff that the account was urgently needed as I have a potentially large contract which would start the business. I have no bank account, and no way to do business. Is this how Nedbank treats its small business customers who are vital for the country's economy? I am very dissapointed as this could cost me a very much needed contract.

**Update: after posting this complaint on the Nedbank FB page, I got a response that they are glad to assist, but can only be escalated during OFFICE HOURS.