Standard Bank - disappointingly ***********

I wish to preface this with the information that I have been with Standard Bank for at least 40 years and have a credit card, debit card and a home loan with them.

I am a professional person - working in my own business.

During this year - 2025 - both my credit card and debit cards have been compromised - at least 3 times each.

Credit card was suspended about four weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I received an sms that R7 300 was pending for a purchase off of my debit card. In response, I immediately stated that this was not me (via the sms response requirement) and was then called and gave the same response. At the end of the call, despite me having stated that this was not my card, I was told that unfortunately that money had now been taken out of my account and I would be refunded once the ***** investigation had been done - and if it ruled in my favour.

So, I have had no bank cards. in addition, my cell phone banking was terminated - and no EFT's etc could be done.

I received my new debit card yesterday - but could not activate it on the APP. I held on the phone line for 20 minutes, and then pressed 1 so that they could call me back (as suggested by another automated voice). I am still waiting and, in the meantime, I cannot make payments or purchases.

I am so disappointed in STD bank and will now have to investigate alternative banks as I cannot deal with this any longer.

Oh yes - I am a "prestige" account holder with a "private" banker. I can no longer remember how many of these "bankers" I have had and I must confess that this "perk" has not assisted me in any way over the years.