Dear ABSA

A long, long time ago, my parents opened a Trustbank account in my name. I had my own bank account!

I was taught how to save money and to spend it wisely. If I had money in the bank, the bank would give me more money. As a little boy, I thought this was how the bank thanked me for saving my money with them. Today I know it is called interest. Today I know better.

Trustbank disappeared. ABSA was born.

Throughout high school, I saved pocket money in my bank account. My bank balance never did contain too many digits, but it was my bank account and I was proud of it.

I went on to study and I used your student account offering. In those days, money did disappear at an alarming rate - the life of a student. I always kept my account in the black. I remember an incident where you guys for some reason deducted a lot of additional money from my account each month. At first, I did not know why. Eventually I discovered you decided that I should be charged monthly managed fee. I was not happy, but it was fixed. Banks also make mistakes, right?

My career started and more funds were deposited into my account. You upgraded my account and my service fees increased, but working adults pay service fees I thought. During those first years, I bought my first brand new car. Your vehicle finance made it possible, although the rates were a little on the high side. I think I started to feel used.

Barclays bought a stake in your company. Your stationary changed slightly. You still sponsored Noot vir Noot.

I am some years older now. For the last couple of years, I have felt that my loyalty means nothing to you. I still make use of your vehicle finance. I make use of your investment offerings. I have a cheque account and a credit card.

Your service fees are really high. Another bank gave me a home loan, because you could not compete with their rates. You have wanted me to invest some of my money with more of your investment offerings, but your consultant never phoned me back.

Three months ago I stopped using your credit card. I received a credit card from another bank and their service seems to be better. I have been putting off this decision for months because it will mean the end of something that started many years ago. Maybe it is time to move on. You have changed and I do not think you care much about loyalty. The bank I grew up with does not exist anymore.

“Today, tomorrow, goodbye”

Kind regards,
Christo

P.S. You’re trending on something called Twitter.