Stuck with credit card?

I have been a customer of First Gulf Bank (FGB) and have had their credit card since 2007. Initially, they had given me their standard credit cards and I was using most of their facilities. But in the beginning of 2013, I reduced my bank balance and was about to close my account. When their customer relations officer called and inquired about my credit card payment facility, I replied with my intention to close the credit card account.

However, they upgraded my card to Platinum and I continued to use it. I used Quick Cash and Easy Pay facilities. Then, after I had paid the outstanding amount, I asked the bank to close the card. FGB staff calculated and told me that I have to pay nearly Dh4,000 if I want to close the account.

I agree that I used Quick Cash on a monthly basis. They charged me the requisite interest and I paid on time. However, I don’t know the logic of FGB, which demands that I pay for the interest on remaining instalments that I am not going to use. When a person wants to close the card, they demand the interest for the unused part.

I left the account open when the customer service representative gave me the option to either pay Dh4,000 immediately or wait until all the instalments were over. Also, they said whatever I have paid would be adjusted against each instalment and the interest would ‘build up’. Then I would have to pay the balance amount and close the account. What a fantastic system!

From Mr Murali Ambala Kolliyil, Dubai

The management of First Gulf Bank responds:

FGB is always open to hearing feedback from its customers to better understand their financial needs and to support them with any issues they may have. The bank has been in touch with Mr Kolliyil and we have amicably resolved this matter. The customer has been clearly informed on the terms and conditions of the offer.

Mr Kolliyil responds:

FGB has contacted me on the complaint I raised and they have agreed to settle the matter. I am happy, as they have considered my issue seriously and I thank the bank for their cooperation. Thank you Gulf News for taking up my issue.

Reimbursement needed

I am a regular reader of Gulf News, especially its community reports. Recently, I read that reader Sunil Madhavan had an issue with Air India Express (“Reader complains about delayed refund”, Gulf News, February 3). The reader is very lucky that he got his refund within 30 days. In my case, I cancelled two tickets: one from Dubai to Tiruchirapally, India, on August 2, 2013 and another from Tiruchirapally to Dubai on August 12, 2013. It is almost six months now and I have yet to receive my refund of Dh599.50 and Dh473.98 for the respective tickets. I feel a little ashamed following up for this amount, but I don’t understand how such a big airline company continues to say, “We regret to inform you that we haven’t received any confirmation from the finance department” for the past six months. I request Gulf News to share this issue with readers so they think twice about booking through Air India Express if they are not sure of their travel dates.

From Mr Mohammad Gani, Dubai

The management of Air India Express responds:

This is to inform you that the amounts were refunded to Mr Gani’s credit card on February 4, 2014. The amount will reflect in the credit card account within four to five working days. Kindly accept our sincere apology for the delay in processing the refund and the inconvenience caused to Mr Gani.

Mr Gani responds:

I received an e-mail from Air India Express stating that the amount has been credited to my credit card account. However, I can confirm their claim only after the amount is credited in my account.

Mr Gani updates:

After Gulf News’ coordination with Air India Express, the amount has been credited back to my account. Thank you very much for resolving my issue.

Editor’s note: Do you have similar issues that you would like to raise with us? You can write to us at readers@gulfnews.com