I have a salary account with HDFC bank and when I logged onto Internet banking I realise that they have charged me
Fifty bucks for just checking my balance through my mobile phone!
Five bucks postage fee plus tax for requesting a statement
No information of any such charge was mentioned to me when I signed up for the account in my office. In fact a representative was supposed to come and explain the procedures, services etc. but that never happened. The ’Terms and Conditions’ in the web site and in the welcome kit from the bank doesn’t specify any such charge. I also have a HSBC account where all this - including DD charges, charges for bouncing a cheque etc. are mentioned in the Internet banking site.
Well, its not just about the money, but yes, every penny is mine and I have a right to know why it has been deducted from my account without my prior consent. The phone banking officer doesn’t have any plausible explanation to offer. I am supposed to go to the bank for such queries. Then whats the point in a facility such as phone banking ?
Anyway, fortunately for me I have seen the account statement in the Internet banking site, and now I know I will never use my mobile phone banking facility unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise I would have been checking balances every now and then and God knows how much that would have come upto when their actual statement comes after 3 months!
So beware of hidden charges. And think twice before using any of these facilities. They are all just gimmicks with a heavy price tag. When in doubt, ask and you shall never regret. After all, its your money!