Further loan application

I've recently app**** for a further loan on my bond with Standard Bank and have experienced the most awful service possible. My husband and I renovated our house out of our own pocket and then we were advised that we could possibly apply for a further loan cover the debt incurred during the building process. We went to the branch to apply and submitted all the documentation required, and was advised that it would take 7-10 working days to approve or decline.

We were then advised the application was sent for arbitration as our debt to salary ratio was too high. Which we understood. We were then advised to pay some of our accounts in order to have the application considered. We then proceeded to cover all the accounts which we were requested to and provided the slips as proof, and ended up paying in excess of R10 000.00 as requested. We also had to run around and obtain paid-up letters from accounts which we have previously settled, which took up huge amount of time and effort. And all this time we were made to believe that if we comply with the constant requests then the application will be approved.

After more than a month an assessor was finally sent out to assess the value of the property and it seemed that our wait was finally over, however shortly after the visit from the assessor (for which I had to take time off work for) we received the very same response as we did at the very beginning, then they still have the nerve to try and get me open an account with them.

I have no issue with Standard Bank declining an application, but I certainly don't appreciate being sent from pillar to post, and receiving empty promises, only to end up right where I started. This application has cost my husband and I copious amount of time and and unnecessary expense at a time of the year which is very blessed to us. I am appalled by the level of service experienced by such a major organisation whom constantly harps on about putting their clients first and assisting them with "finding their next". It must be noted however that the service consultant at Wynberg Service Centre was very helpful and professional throughout this horrible process At this point I feel like taking all business away from Standard Bank and never returning.