‘I was overcharged for flight ticket on credit card’

Over exchange rate

I used my HSBC credit card on May 9, 2013 to purchase airline tickets, which was for USD865.98, against which HSBC charged my credit card for Dh3,318.94. On checking with HSBC customer service, I was informed that although their website shows a USD to AED exchange rate of Dh3.65, I had been charged an exchange rate of Dh3.796 and an additional transaction fee of 2.8 per cent. Although this does not add up correctly to the amount they have deducted from my card, I would like to know if this is the correct exchange rate that they have charged me and if this is the normal for a 2.8 per cent transaction fee to be charged and would like the exact breakup of these charges. I feel that I have been overcharged about Dh150 plus for this transaction considering the exchange rate of USD865.98 x Dh 3.65 = Dh 3160.827 is what I should have been charged.

From Mr Mario Andrade

Dubai

Mr Ahmad Othman, Regional Manager, HSBC, responds:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Please note that we have contacted Mr Andrade and an agreed solution has been reached to his satisfaction.

Mr Andrade responds:

Thank you very much. HSBC has contacted me and have refunded Dh70 to my card since they do have a 2.8 per cent charges on international transactions. Thank you once again for assisting me in sorting out this issue.

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