I had a Savings Bank Account with Citibank N.A., Calcutta Branch. Subsequently, because of the change in account maintenance charges and also the drop in interest rates for the associated fixed deposits, I have requested the Branch Manager to close this account and transfer the proceeds by issuing a banker’s cheque / draft and send it to my residential address.
However, despite sending the written request and also verbally requesting the bank’s representatives to do the same, the account has not been closed. In addition the Bank had applied another service fee of Rs. 500/- plus Taxes on my Account, resulting into a negative balance. This was evident in the next statement.
The Bank’s deliberate inaction in this matter has badly disturbed my peace of mind. Then, I have again requested the Branch Manager to reverse the Service Fee applied and the applicable taxes and close my account. This time with a copy marked to the Banking Ombudsman, C/o Reserve Bank of India, 15, Netaji Subhas Road, Kolkata-700 001 and Officer in Charge of Grievances Redressal Cell, Reserve Bank of India. I have also clearly written to him that unless the above mentioned charges are reversed and the account is closed immediately, I will be forced to initiate appropriate legal action against the Bank and the Branch Manager. Then that stinker worked. They have closed my account. I am sure Citibank have cheated many more people like me in the name of their rules and through such deliberate inaction.