I seem to have wasted a large chunk of my day trying to persuade my bank, the HSBC, to allow me to spend my own money. The problem began 4 days ago when I rather inconveniently decided to purchase further Premium Bonds on line. The HSBC took a dim view of this and blocked my transaction. I could understand it if they blocked me once and I can accept that they were acting in my perceived best interests. But despite their assurances that I could proceed I am still awaiting an outcome and have now made four attempts to spend, what is after all, my own money. To date I have spoken to 4 or 5 people on the Indian sub-continent, a chap in Scotland, a young lady in England and a Tim in Wales. Do the HSBC have something against the Irish or are they saving that one for last?
Whilst waiting to see if it will be a case of fourth time lucky I have drafted my letter of complaint informing the bank that after 33 years as a customer this is not how I expect myself, or anyone else for that matter, to be treated and what are they going to do about it?
Having penned my somewhat lengthy missive I feel better and I do think that a good letter of complaint is both an art and a pleasure. I am particularly pleased with my creativity when informing the bank of my latest attempt to buy bloody Premium Bonds. It reads:
By this, my fourth time, I am getting good at buying Premium Bonds and score a personal best for the time taken for the transaction - 4 minutes and 50 seconds.
My efforts at wit and sarcasm are nothing though when compared to the 'The World's best passenger complaint letter.' Follow this link and have a giggle:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/4344890/Virgin-the-worlds-best-passenger-complaint-letter.html
Live long and prosper.
