HBL has been the worst bank for me so far – Part one

Pointer: I would like to state that the constructive response I received from HBL after this blog was published was unbelievable. They not only assured me that the action will be taken but the higher authorities personally contacted me. That I have not seen in other banks so far.

I have been a customer of Alfalah bank, JS bank and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) bank. Except for Alfalah bank accounts in other two banks were opened due to compulsion. As my companies – in which I work – told me to open an account or they will not pay me.

So this is how the story of my bad experience with HBL bank starts.

Opening the account

First visit:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="192"] HBL Logo. Source Hbl.com[/caption]

I went to HBL bank branch in Gulistan johar blk 18. The closest to my house. The branch was lavished and looked appealing. I asked the receptionist the procedure of opening an account. She told me that I have to fill out the form which I available with the accountant.

I went to her – another lady – and told her that I intend to open an account. She said If i do not have a job I cant open an account. I told her that I have a job. She said than bring the letter from your manager – dumb rule right? I asked her why cant I open an account in the bank as I already have an account in another bank – the bank can tell verify about my financial status but she said that is a rule here.

Second visit:

Later I went again with the letter. She said that you have to bring the following documents and started naming NIC, Utility bill, Two NIC copies. I said why didn’t she tell me all that the first time I would have brought them than. She said I did not ask – talk about customer service!

Third visit:

I again went to her the next day with all my documents. But she was not available that day. I talked to the controller who took my form and asked me to submit the money (500 rupees) I did. I thought now my account will be made in the bank.

But a BIG NO!

Fourth visit:

I went two days later to look if my account had been made because my pay was about to arrive from my company. I went to the accountant lady. She said Acha hua ap a gaye. Ap k account may masla hai.  I asked why didn’t you call me when you had my number. On which she said meray pas or bhe boht kam they. Or ap ko may call krne he wali the.  I said two days have passed when were you going to call?

Well I again filled the form and gave it to her.

She said that the account will be made in two days.

Fifth visit:

I received my account number from the bank when I visited it. I was glad that my account was made but was worried that the customer service of Habib Bank limited is the worst if compared with my other banks. How will I cope up with it or will I have to again make so many visits to make things done?

In the next part I will tell how I had a brawl with one of the employees and some of the account holder rights that I later browsed on internet that tell what our rights are and how we can complain to higher authorities if employees do not cooperate.

Moreover, I will also tell how in my next visit, even with so many people in the queue, the bank manager paid the bill - though I had to gave the money, made a draft for education and gave me a privileged status for a day.

Also, how the President of HBL called and expressed his concern over the mismanagement in the branch and assured action.

Stay tuned.