Credit card agreements

Catty212

Evening all.

I sent letters to all of my credit card companies last week, firstly to check what my APR and terms are and also to see if any could be written off (Egg, HSBC, Mint and Abbey) I have so far received a signed copy from Egg very quickly with no problems.

I received a letter from HSBC today (who I also bank with (current account etc) Saying thank you for your letter but unfortunately you have mitted to sign your letter (which is true, I wrote my name rather than sign it, so the signature couldnt be copied onto my agreement, but as I already bank with HSBC they have it anyway). They state they can't send anything until they recieve signed instructions. They also inclosed my cheque which I sent for £1 to cover admin fees.

If tyhis is the case and they can't send information without a signed letter, how come Egg managed?

Richard019

Company policy?

Maybe they checked the signature and saw it didn't match. - security check before sending out details.

Did you include account/card numbers with your request?

Catty212

I didn't sign any of the 4 letters I sent out. I typed my name on the computer.

Yes, I included my name, address and card number. I'm quite puzzled as I've banked with HSBC for about 15 years.

It's another reason I'm switching.

exel1966

Seems pretty straight forward to me. They require your signature to verify that the letter from you is genuine. Who's to say the letter couldn't have come from someone other than yourself ?
I think HSBC should be commended and not knocked for ensuring the security and integrity of your accounts.

Richard019

exel1966 wrote: »

Seems pretty straight forward to me. They require your signature to verify that the letter from you is genuine. Who's to say the letter couldn't have come from someone other than yourself ?
I think HSBC should be commended and not knocked for ensuring the security and integrity of your accounts.

That's my take on it as well. I would say it's a company policy difference that's behind it.

I would also say I keep my account details pretty safe, but it's a bit worrying that Egg seem quite loose with things. I wonder if they'd be as open to the idea of me changing my address without a signature. If one of their customers is less careful with their statements then a letter sent to Egg advising them that they'd moved house and lost their card during the move could cause problems. (I can get a bit paranoid)

Catty212

The letter I recieved yesterday was pointless I'm afraid! I recieved exactly what I asked for. So Im guessing departments at HSBC doesn't liaise very well with each other.