Hi,

I recieved a call from Standard Charted bank for Soliciting a Platinum Credit card. I was informed that the card is life time free and I will not be charged anything, if I choose not to use the card. I clarified this information atleast twice before accepting the card.

For the first time I gave my documents for the card, Credit Card processors accepted took my Voters card issuance date as my DOB and requested me to also state wrong DOB on Verification call. I was very worried with the fact that Bank employees were encouraging people to verify incorrect information. So, I requested the Credit card division to stop chasing me and to cancel my application for the card.

The second time around I was approached again and was informed the same thing that it is a free card and that there will be no charges, if I dont use the card. So, I agreed once again. This time I got my card and then I recieved the welcome call. I was informed during the call that Standard charted will give me insurance coverage against theft/lost, some free holiday voucher, Apollo health clinic check up etc and that I will be charged an annual fee of INR 4400, in 12 EMIs worth INR360, irrespective of the fact that I use the card or not.

I felt cheated and I shared my concern. I was told that if I am not happy I should disconnect the card. I wanted to do the same and so I went to Dwarka Sector 18 Branch and spoke to Poonam the girl who manages Credit Card and I was told that I should call Callcentre and I cannot be entertained in the Bank. It was far more frustrating that instead of helping me I was asked to route my request through another channel.

I finally called up Callcentre on 19-Nov to cancel the card and I was given the cancellation request number as 686334. I was told that it will take 10 days and I will not recieve any written confirmation on the same. Surprisingly, I was sent half a dozen papers along with the card and none at the time of disconnection.

I have recieved a call today as a second verification, on which I have been told that this INR 4400 is an additonal pack and we can opt out of it. Why should I believe any piece of information that is being provided to me. I am sending an e-mail request to Standard Charted to cancel my card so that I get something in written as surity.

Please help me fight back such nuisance.

Thanks/Preeti