This is specifically directed to customers of Republic Bank who have current accounts and receive monthly statements. However, other banks' customers should take note too. Over the last few months, on perusing my monthly statement, I noticed several debit charges of 25 cents each. I did not inquire the first time, but when I saw even more in the following statement, I called customer service.
To my absolute amazement, I was informed that every Republic customer who registered a Linx or cheque transaction with any merchant who did not bank with Re-public, would be debited this charge. These charges would be in addition to the usual monthly service charges.
I immediately inquired how the bank expected me, the buyer, to know where my proposed merchant did his/her banking business. Further, even if I had thought to ask, it would be none of my business. Did the powers-that-be at Re-public Bank conduct a survey in order to determine how customers felt about this additional charge when, as I often say to them, their already high service charges fail miserably to even come close to the standard of service that such costs would dictate?
This is absolutely outrageous, Republic Bank. You are way out of line to penalise me and so many others because your often indifferent standards of service do not attract discerning merchants. You would be much better served if you assigned your marketing department to find out why more merchants did not bank with you.
In the meantime, I suggest that you immediately refund me and all those other customers, similarly treated, these monies, in full, as surely it must be immoral to charge others for your failure to induce more business, if not illegal.
I impatiently await my refund.
Sandra Gittens Scott
Via e-mail