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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be furious with my bank?

13 replies

undercovamutha · 09/06/2010 18:28

Just phoned my bank (who I have multiple accounts, a mortgage etc etc with) to apply for a credit card. Ive never had a credit card before (have slightly old fashioned ideas about credit!), but thought it would be worth getting one as we are going on hols shortly and my bank's credit card is meant to be good for currency charges and travel insurance.

Anyway, the bank just told me I am ineligible for the credit card as I took 10months maternity leave last year, which included one month unpaid. It is apparently against the rules for them to give a credit card to anyone who cannot show 12months of being paid more than £500 per month.

I have worked for my employer for over 10 years, earn a good wage, and am a great customer of the bank. In the whole 10+ years, there have been only TWO MONTHS when I have not been paid as a result of extended ML. I am they are using my maternity leave as a reason for not letting me get a card. I guess I could probably get a card from another bank, but I just feel so cross about the whole thing.

I am dying to write a huge letter to them telling them that they are being discriminatory, and that they are inflexible aresholes! AIBU?

OP posts:
pjmama · 09/06/2010 18:29

Write the letter and switch banks.

diamondsandtiaras · 09/06/2010 18:33

no YANBU. Surely that can't be a general policy accross all banks?! If it is then it's rediculous..........you should be fine as long as you can prove that you are employed (i.e payslips) and earning money. Do you have an OH in work who could apply for a card instead?

Definitely write the letter though.

PigletJohn · 09/06/2010 18:54

Write a much shorter letter to your branch manager (try to find out his/her name first), saying you have been their customer for N years and telephoned on (date) because you were interested in taking out a credit card. You were surprised to be told you were ineligible because of your recent maternity leave*. "Please can you confirm that this is in fact the Banks policy, or is there some kind of misunderstanding?"

The banks have deskilled their staff and make them work to rules and procedures. Usually when you complain about their stupid or unreasonable behaviour, they apologise and blame their staff for being inexperienced/trainees/misinterprering the procedure, prtetend such a thing has never happened before and will never happen again. (load of BS)

No need to send your stroppy letter unless they fail to react properly to the reasonable one.

If they do fail, write another, very short letter, beginning "I am writing to complain about..."

It is very important that you state it is a letter of complaint. They have rules for dealing with them, and you can take it further if you are not satisfied with response to a complaint.

*be careful to specify maternity leave because you will get the special treatment to show they are not guilty of sexual discrimination (bit tough on us men)

Original poster
undercovamutha · 09/06/2010 18:54

Actually, I was slightly incorrect as its not a bank its a (very large) Building Society and I think they might have stricter policies. I dare say I could get a credit card from some bank or another. But I still think I have been treated badly. Grrrrr.....

It's the whole 'computer says no' thing that really pisses me off.

OP posts:
Original poster
undercovamutha · 09/06/2010 18:58

Thanks PigletJohn. I said I wanted to complain and they said their 'resolution team' could contact me tomorrow, but as I couldn't cope with going over it all again (with small children at my feet!) I just spoke to the supervisor today, who in turn spoke to the Credit Card Manager (?). He apparently confirmed that it is a tick box exercise, no flexibility, 12mths of continuous pay or no credit card!

I will speak to the branch as you suggest.

OP posts:
BelleDameSansMerci · 09/06/2010 18:58

I think if you appeal the decision and advise them that you will be leaving them if they don't give you the card, you will be successful in getting it.

Of course, you shouldn't have to do this and YANBU at all!

PigletJohn · 09/06/2010 19:29

do it by letter. It will be on record and will be treated more seriously.

Fluffyone · 09/06/2010 19:55

Just go on Moneysaving expert to find the best card deals and apply for one. Getting credit cards is scarily easy. They will ask your annual income, not if you've had 12 months continuous pay.
Your building society are totally out of order I think, and out of date as well.

Original poster
undercovamutha · 09/06/2010 20:04

Fluffyone - the reason I knew that my Building Society's card was one of the best for travelling was cos I went on Moneysavingexpert!!! I'll have another look now though.....

OP posts:
Fluffyone · 09/06/2010 20:06

I suppose it is one of the best for travelling... if you can get one! What a pain in the arse for you.

HecateQueenOfWitches · 09/06/2010 20:19

Why not just vote with your feet and switch banks?

Part of the reason they are so arrogant with their customers is we just take it! If we all switched banks when they pissed us off, and told them exactly why we were doing it, over time they might start to realise they need to work to keep their customers?

Original poster
undercovamutha · 09/06/2010 20:31

You're absolutely right, Hecate. I need to rescue 'financial management' from number 187 on my list of things to do, and put a bit of effort in. I truly am the typical customer who puts up with crap because I am too lack lustre to do something about it!

OP posts:
vicbar · 09/06/2010 20:44

I work for a bank and as long as you are employed and a good credit score we would give you a credit card. Shop around moneysavingexpert.com are impartial esp if you are planning to use the card abroad as the charges can be huge.

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