A FGB [which has now merged with National Bank of Abu Dhabi to form First Abu Dhabi Bank] credit card salesperson approached me a few years ago and told me I could use a free-for-life card. I agreed to getting the card, hoping I would be able to use it whenever I would need to.
I didn’t activate it at that moment, as there was no need for me to use it. However, after some time, I started using a credit card from another bank (my salary account was in that bank) and felt it was convenient. Hence, I proceeded with the same. I didn’t bother to cancel the FGB credit card, as I thought it was free and I might need it in future.
Then, they started sending me bills after one year. I called and complained about the same. They waived off the charge based on my argument it was given to me as a free-for-life card.
After the second year, they kept sending me bills for the card, again. It was quite surprising as I hadn’t even activated the card. I kept calling customer care to cancel the card or to get them to stop charging me, but it was always in vain.
I don’t have the card at the moment as I never bothered to activate the card. I request FGB to please cancel the credit card on my behalf. I feel like I was betrayed by the salesperson who said the card was free for life.
From Mr Faheem Kulangarakandiyil
Sharjah
The management of FGB responds:
FGB is grateful for all customer feedback to which we give careful consideration as we strive to consistently deliver the highest standards of service. The bank has been in contact with Mr Kulangarakandiyil via email, and the matter has been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Mr Kulangarakandiyil responds:
Thanks for all the support, Gulf News. I had a talk with an FGB representative and he promised that the bank has cancelled the credit card.
(Process initiation: February 13. Response from organisation: February 16. Reader confirmation: March 1.)
Editor’s note: Do you have similar issues that you would like to raise with us? You can write to us at readers@gulfnews.com.
