Credit Card ***** of a different kind

Absolutely pathetic service.

Went into the branch to 17 July to close my credit card account as I don't use it. They put me through to card division who gave me a settlement amount and told me once paid it would be closed but to check within 10 days if not done.

Settlement was done and as I saw the credit card was still reflecting on my app I phoned card division (26 July) where some arrogant consultant told me that settling an account and cancelling an account are not the same thing despite me telling him I had requested a closure. He confirmed that the account had then been closed.

Fast forward to 14 August. Account was still reflecting on app and suddenly two charges were levied. Went in to the branch (Westville Church street) on 16 August and was told they cannot help me (that's some quality customer service right there) and that I must phone card division myself despite me telling them that I had already dealt with card division. Phoned card division and gave them a piece of my mind. They told me they could find no record of a request to close account despite being given times and dates and duration of phone call. I told them to pull out their records as I wanted a copy of the call log to refer to the ombud (if I had not checked my account these ****** would have continued charging for a closed account) and at the same time I told them I wanted the account closed with written confirmation to be emailed. My details were taken down and I was told I would have the letter within 48 hours and the recording as soon as possible.

Monday 20 August and I still had no letter so again I phone card division only to be told that they cannot find a request to close the account. In addition they find that the email address on the system is not the same as the one I specifically confirmed. I have ficaed since changing addresses so why the hell are my old details still on the system? Was told account is now closed but I wait and see.

Needless to say I am livid at the whole experience and Standard Bank has really lived up to their slogan. "Moving you forward". I will be moving forward to a different bank. I am also still waiting for copies of the voice logs so that I can report Standard Bank's ***** to the banking ombud so that they can decide what to do about this. At the very least their actions are ********* and at worse they are ******* (wilfully giving false information is against the Banking Act I am sure).

I encourage anybody who banks with these ********** to seriously reconsider.