DUBAI // Confused but delighted customers were thousands of dirhams better off after their bank refunded charges it says it imposed for more than three years.
HSBC said that in 2010 it had abolished the Dh100 monthly fee charged to its Advance customers, but some customers had continued to be charged the fee.
The affected account holders were advised by text message, and invited to visit an HSBC customer service centre, where they could obtain a refund, which the bank described as a goodwill gesture.
One customer, who received Dh3,600 in refunded charges, said he was told by a customer-service assistant that the fee had initially been imposed because of “missing customer information”, such as a valid residence visa copy or a salary certificate.
And even though the fee had been charged since he opened his account in 2007, only a maximum of three years of back fees would be refunded.
“I don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth,” he said, “but I can’t get over the feeling something’s amiss. The explanation didn’t make much sense to me.
“In my experience, banks don’t voluntarily give money back to customers.
“And even if there has been a change in policy and the fee no longer applies, then why would they retrospectively give the fee back?”
Another customer said she was unhappy that only three years of fees were being returned.
“If the bank believes the fee was wrong, then why not return all of it, from the past seven years? I feel like they’re trying to get away with paying as little as possible.
“But why pay anything at all? The explanations don’t make sense.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
* This story has been amended since it was first published.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The biog
Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.
Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.
Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.
Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Favourite food: Dim sum
Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.