Being in a transferable service, banking is one area where I always had a problem. I was always at logger heads with my bankers. I have banked with State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Punjab National Bank and Central Bank of India in the past. It was pure misery with most of them however Allahabad Bank took the cake in ensuring that you detest going to the bank. No visit to the bank went without a altercation with the counter clerk or a complaint to the manager. A job which could be done in minutes took hours to complete in AlIahabad Bank. You literally had to take a day off from work to visit the bank. I found all these banks archaic. I began to think that probably I was expecting too much form them. After all the workers in these banks were just wage earners I thought, but then I reasoned there has to be a limit. Enough is enough. They were service providers and why should I put up with poor service when I have better alternatives in the present day.
While I was making up my mind which bank to turn to, I noticed the adds of HDFC Bank Debit Cards. I had always been apprehensive about Credit Cards thinking that I would tend to over spend and live beyond my means, so Debit Card was an eye catcher. Debit Card facility with HDFC Bank had me hooked and I decided that yes this is the Bank for me. I opened an account with HDFC Bank and got a debit card and an additional ATM card for my daughter.
It was one of the best things that could have happened. I realised what I was missing in terms of service. Gone were the days when I used to stand for over half and hour at the counter of the bank just waiting for the clerk, who had gone to eat pan with his friend to come and sit on his seat. What a sea change this was! What happiness! What bliss!
The things that I enjoy best about banking with HDFC Bank are:
(a) Any time money. I do not have to keep money at home for emergencies any more. No apprehensions any more that two or three holidays are coming in a row and that I must go to the bank to withdraw some cash or else I will be stuck with an empty pocket. The bank is with me 24 hours a day 30 days a month 12 months a year. With ATM facility I can sleep peacefully.
(b) Any where money. I do not have to be apprehensive if I have to go on a holiday or on a tour. With the wide network of HDFC Bank, nationwide and world wide, I can withdraw money from any of their ATMs as though I were at the home branch. No extra charges. They also have tie up with certain other banks to permit ATM facilities where HDFC Bank ATM is not available at a nominal charge.
(c) Phone Banking. I can get updated on my balances, order a cheque book or a draft all with a phone call! It’s so convenient! Sitting at home or in the office or attending a party or while on the move using a mobile the bank is always there.
(d) Internet Banking. I am for ever on the internet, what with my addiction to MouthShut. The HDFC web site brings the bank right into my bed room. I can see all my transactions, download them for record, order drafts and cheque books, make a fixed deposit stop cheque payments, manage my Demat account etc.
(e) Super Saver Account. I had a sudden requirement of a large amount of cash for a short duration. I had the amount in a Fixed Deposit but did not want to break it. Simple! I got my saving account converted to a Super Saver Account. It gave me freedom to withdraw upto 75% of my fixed deposit amount by using the ATM or issuing a cheque. When I have the money I can just deposit it back in the savings account. How convenient!
(f) Depositing Cheques/Cash Cheques and cash can be deposited in any HDFC Bank ATM anywhere. You do not have to go to the Home Branch.
(g) Shopping. You do not have to worry when going shopping or when you run out of petrol and need to get your tank filled. The debit card sees to all your needs. You just pay Rs 10/- per transaction as transaction fees. No need to carry cash. No interest like in Credit Card, as it is your own money.
I sometimes wonder why I stuck to all these 18th Century Banks all these years. I feel I have come of age now after having faced such hardships. It sure is bliss. Thank you HDFC Bank.