HSBC CC - the solution?

schiff

Extract from my post on Friday 10/2:

My documentation arrived back on Tuesday of this week with a compliment slip. Time being of the essence (I have an urgent BT to complete in the next two weeks, otherwise I don't need the card) I phoned up this afternoon to enquire about progress. 0800 number first, then an 0845 but eventually had to settle for an 08705 as the first two were the 'wrong department'.

Sounded very much like India but the man was calm and helpful. My card hasn't been issued, so I don't have a card number. But we finished up by him telling me that what I should do is to go to a local branch where they can issue my card to me (!?!) and deal with the Balance Transfer (!?!). I should take my ID along with me plus passport/driver's licence to prove who I am. I am proposing of course to take with me my little file containing all the correspondence and the copy I made of my online application.

I find this solution to be in the realms of fantasy and cannot, at the moment, believe it is possible or will happen. But I should give India the benefit of the doubt and will try my luck.

I'll let you know the outcome!

That was Friday. This was the outcome:

Went to the nearest branch (fortunately only 2 miles away). My internet application was available to them on their internal monitors, so they knew all my details. In the space of less than 30 minutes:

I was told my CC number.
I was told my credit limit.
I was told my card should be with me in a week's time approx.
The Balance Transfer that I wanted was completed - allow 10 days they said but in my experience it's usually quicker.
I was set up on their website with security number etc.

So easy it was incredible! I was also told that, if I had applied for the CC on 5/1/06 at a branch I would have probably had my card a month ago and the BT completed whenever I wanted it.

So, to all you sufferers out there, this would appear to be the surefire way of finishing things off. I know a branch may not be round the corner for some of you but I certainly would have made a journey had I known it would be sorted out so smoothly. Obviously a prior phone call to arrange an appointment and to tell them what it's about would be a good idea.
And remember (most important) to take lots of ID and any paperwork you have accumulated!! Best of luck.

sicker

Same thing happened to me. I phoned India AGAIN (started 4th December) and was told to take my required documents to the local branch who would deal with my request. Having already sent and received back payslips etc. I decided to make sure of what was required before I went to the branch so I looked up my local telephone directory and called them. What a joke, the number listed was answered in the Phillipines and the operator there tried to put me through to the manager of the branch. After 15 minutes I gave up and took the bus into central Edinburgh and walked to the branch where I joined a 10 deep queue for service. On reaching the head of the queue the one person attending asked me to join a further queue of about 10 people. I said but arrnged an appointment to see a customer service person at 3pm tomorrow. I started this at about 11am to-day and am now back home at 2.30pm.What a disasterous waste of my time. I shall wait for tomorrow with bated breathe.

John

sce37

I had been waiting a month from receiving my 'security letter' and phoning them and still had not received my card. Telephoned last Thursday (Indian callcentre I think). Was not getting any joy and told to go to branch as there was a massive backlog. Said she couldn't authorise card issue there!! Said I was not prepared to do that with id etc as this had already been done. Insisted on speaking to a manager. Got put through to a staff coach. He checked out on the delay. Technical error and never processed said he would sort it out. My card was delivered the very next day. My advice is be persistent on the telephone.

schiff

You really do have to be patient don't you! If you are pressurised for time it must be an absolute pain. Fortunately I do have the time which helps.

sicker

Hi schiff, I have the patience of a saint, I also have all the time in the world or 'until death us do part'. Still patiently waiting for my card (2 months now) which I shall treat as a bonus as I have taken alternative action due to the seriously long time HSBC are taking.

John