Paying Standard Bank for services they DON'T provide

I erroneously transferred funds to a beneficiary, also banking with Standard Bank, and immediately rushed to the bank to initiate a "Payment Recall" - not Ideal, but a system that has been in place since the 1990's

Yes, my mistake - but they have the tools & they bill you for it.

1st problem - even the consultant I was sitting in front of, just 30 minutes after making my mistake, couldn't raise anyone on the phone to assist him.

Nonetheless, we filled out the paperwork, accepted the fees & was told to wait for up to 10 days

Wait, What !?!

This is supposed to be a simple "Hold and Recall" within the same institution.

I escalated the issue to our "Business Banker" - on leave

I escalated to her alternative, a manager - passed it on

I escalated it to the 4th party in the banking chain - who said they'd look into it, but actually, I should "contact" the beneficiary, whom we haven't dealt with for 2 years, & ask for them to send it back... so why do I pay Standard Bank all these fees, plus the "Payment Recalls" cost. Only to be told DIY !!

Their Reason: The BENEFICIARY (who should't have got the money in the 1st place) REJECTED the "Payment Recall"

This after 3 different Standard Bank call centres do not answer their lines - waiting 40 - 60 minutes only to be cut off.

The business bankers also botched a "change of signatory" on the same day as the "ill fated transfer".

And you can't speak to anyone personally - unless you've made an appointment.

So why are we paying for the privilege of second rate service, with no accountability.

It came to a head with an email from the 4th party, copying in all the other persons who passed the buck, ending with:

"Trust you find all in order." from my disingenuous Standard Bank Business Banker / Enterprise Direct Banking KZN...