HSBC Credit Cards - Their DD system has failed

netlang

I have been with HSBC for a few years now and I have found that since they have moved their Card Services Customer Services to India it is hopeless. I have complained to them time and time again but I am told that their Chief Exec thinks the call centres are doing well! At 10% of the cost of the UK call centre I can see why.

I was in a supermarket in Calais and spent 400 Euros with no problem, I filled up with petrol at the same supermarket and the card was stopped. 2 hours later I received a message on my mobile asking me to call customer services. 20 minutes after waiting in their call queue listening to that awful hold music I was told off for not advising HSBC that I was travelling abroad! I politely told the Indian call centre that Calais, was in France (part of the EU) same as UK is (part of the EU). They insisted I was abroad and the card was stopped for my own protection. The large unhappy bruiser at the petrol pay kiosk was not too amused when the card was stopped.

I have moved my credit cards to AMEX and their customer service so far has been superb.