Roger Flett, Munxar
Objectional bank fee (2)
In the last couple of days I was alerted of the HSBC charge for using internet services that was quietly slipped in under the wire during the festive season.
I am in agreement with the various commentators that the best option is to immediately cancel internet access and if possible make as much of a nuisance with the staff as you can by phoning in regarding every little query that you may think of. You certainly wouldn't want to do that at the counter because that simply is not a service, especially here in Gozo, where you can watch your life slipping away as you wait in endless queues at the half closed counter, while reading adverts about express online banking.
Another alternative is to move your accounts away, but no doubt the other bank(s) will follow suit.
Shame on you HSBC, you simply would not get away with this in a country that had proper competition and choice in the banking sector. You are a true scrooge in every sense of the word.
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David Reiling
Jan 13th 2009, 17:09
just got a response from HSBC they say its due to increases in costs that they have absorbed since the start of internet banking including the supply of the security keyring device... but more interestingly they justify it by saying they have been free where others have always charged - so i supsect they weant their turn now....oh and they believe we should be thankfull for making our banking more secure and efficient.......Hmmmmm
David Reiling
Jan 13th 2009, 09:32
I object to being persuaded to use the IB service in preference to branch then to be charged for it. It is more convenient (for both) its easy (for customers) but its very costs efficent for HSBC too. Its free at HSBC UK, why shouldnt it be free here.
Where is the proof of HSBCs costs increases thru maintenance-the site is unchanged or are bigger bonuses being paid for doing their job. No new functionality, so it follows that maintenance has simply got more expensive-or maybe making more money to cover losses for their folly in investing with Lehmann and Madoff who "made off" with their/our cash.
I am one who will not lie down and have the hsbc tickle my belly like some little lap dog i will be making my views heard, I have already done so and will continue to do so even if it means a daily message via their system to make a nuisance of myself and using their counters more often to clog them up - "biting my nose off to spite my face" maybe but what other weapons do we as the customer have???.
lgalea
Jan 12th 2009, 16:37
Tonio Mallia
But the other banks told you beforehand about the charges not like HSBC which first introdcued the service free of charge and then introduced the charges through stealth.
J.Mifsud
Jan 12th 2009, 16:15
BOV has been charging me for internet banking right from the start. So hsbc just thought that it would do the same. I will certainly not be paying both banks for internet banking ,so i will just cancel, and waste my time in the long queues and make myself feel bad for not paying up. Banks are just out to rip us off.
André Xuereb
Jan 12th 2009, 13:49
Igalea: Does the "A" in "HABC" (sic!) stand for "ARROGANT", by any chance?
Anyway, it has been said time and again that other banks also have a similar charge, so your "solution" to the problem is not really a solution.
Oh, and it would be refreshing were you to stop linking everything that happens in this country to politics. Thanks.
Luke Buttigieg
Jan 12th 2009, 10:30
While not wanting to act as the devil's advocate, I must point out that BOV has it's own Lm3/€7.64 fee for internet banking. I'm not sure whether APS charges for internet banking but €0.50/month seems quite reasonable for me for such a convenient service.
David Reiling
Jan 12th 2009, 10:12
I have made my complaints to the HSBC and have not even had a response.. typcial - however i have in the meantime switched off the electronic statements in favour of postal ones to initially show my displeasure.
lgalea
Jan 12th 2009, 10:04
J Bugeja
HABC simply Shanghaid MidMed and the depositors money with the collaboration of the EFApn government.
Forget about internat banking and other services they offer.
Simply deny them the pleasure and take your accounts to another bank.
Tonio Mallia
Jan 12th 2009, 09:56
@ Roger Flett.
For your information the other Banks will not follow HSBC in introducing a charge.....because they already do and have been doing so since day one of the introduction of their service.
And....they are more expensive as well!