I'm a client, not a number.

I've been with Standard bank since I can remember and eventually fell into a sence of comfort with the way the app works etc.. But the following occurrence really made me rethink the company I'm trusting my finances with.. And what a story..

On the evening of 22/09/2024 I registered my fiance's finger print on my cell phone to unlock the phone in case of emergency. The next morning we where on our way to go for a holiday break with the kids but as we where about to leave I realised I could not log into my banking app due to a security risk of which the app notifies me of and it stated I needed to go visit my closest branch. I had to transfer funds fro. One account to another for the road, glad I checked before I left. Thankfully I had enough fuel to make it to the first town on the way with a Standard Bank branch. However, knowing that my ID card was in my wallet that got ****** a while back I wasn't sure if the bank will accept my drivers licence.. Which the didn't..

So, the branch unlocked my app for me but said I have 30 days to show proof of Identity to the bank otherwise my account will be frozen.

The first opportunity I had to go to home affairs was on 03/10/2024. I was informed the ID card will take around 3 to 6 weeks to be issued. But, I refused to get a temporary ID, I mean.. All this just for the bank not to give me access to MY money..

Few weeks later, when payroll was about to release salaries I attempted to go to the bank to see what the situation is with the 30 days and also ask if it can be extended since I have app**** for my ID and the time Home Affairs take is really out of my hands..

So at the bank I had to give my ID number, scanned both my thumb prints and the teller had every copy of my ID on her screen I supp**** in the history of having an account with them. I even asked the teller if that person looks like me.. lol and she actually acknowledged. ALSO, she could see that I actually app**** for a new ID card at home affairs. It was right there on my profile.

Never the less, they cannot tell me when exactly my account will be frozen or how many days of the 30 days are left.. Soooo... My salary will be paid in a couple of days.. I need food, I need fuel.. I have kids.. they need food.. There is now on earth I'm letting my salary go to a bank with a frozen account hanging over my head..

So, my fiance had a savings account with Nedbank and I could use that account in the meanwhile and with this I notified my employer to change my banking details. Just for us to find out the next day the account is inactive because she haven't used it in a while. Which means another trip to the bank.

So Standard Bank. I really hope you realise how much trouble you've put me through simply because of a finger print.. But my question is this.. The teller at the bank at every possible way available to Identify me. Why then the 30 days? Why do I have to still go and hand in Identity? Why all this after being a client for 20 odd years? Do you not realise we as humans actually need our money to survive and it is OUR property? And why do you have a system that cannot be controlled? I was furious when this happened and I had my whole family waiting for me on the day I had to go unlock my account.

So it's been a nice run but this has put a sour taste in my mouth. You can say I wasted about a whole day so far to try and have this sorted and this all had to happen during office hours. Life is busy enough as it is.. So I think we are done.