Disappointed After 10+ Years – No Real Support from Standard Bank

I am deeply disappointed in the way Standard Bank has handled my account and financial hardship. After being a loyal customer for over 10 years, I reached out for assistance regarding a revolving loan account that has dragged on for 9 years, yet no meaningful support was offered.

I physically visited the Blue Route branch on 17 and 18 June 2025 to speak with consultants, but was met with indifference. One gentleman told me he would escalate the matter to the debt solutions team, but I have received no follow-up communication to date, and I am still left without clarity.

Despite numerous emails asking Standard Bank for help, my account was instead handed over to what I believe is one of the worst debt recovery companies, and I have now been left to deal with a situation I had hoped to resolve with the bank directly. My financial difficulties were ignored rather than addressed with compassion or solutions.

Recently, I noticed a payment of R6007 made in April, which I did not authorize. When I asked about it, I was told by a consultant that it was an insurance payout—this was never communicated to me before. Why now? Why that amount? Why am I only finding out now?

My concerns have not been taken seriously. Every time I walk out of the bank, I feel more helpless. No transparency. No proper response. No empathy. I have since moved to FNB, where I hope to receive the support Standard Bank failed to give.

This entire experience has left me feeling like just a number. Standard Bank, I expected better after more than a decade of loyalty.