My Mastercard expired in July on this year. Usually, the bank that issued this card would sent the replacement card about 2 months prior to that. So when I did not get my new card closer to the expiry date, I called Customer Service to find out what had happened.
Their system reflected that a letter was sent to me, asking if I'd like to continue with the card or not. You see, this card is an upgraded card, from a basic to a platinum, and for a specific period only. During the free upgrade period, the bank had waived off the service fees and a few other charges that came with a Platinum card. Hence, any decision to extend the use of said card comes with the charges plonked back in and at my expenses.
The Customer Service staff asked if I'd like to extend usage of the card. If I agree, then she'd arrange to send another letter (formality) which I have to sign and return to them. After what I thought were careful considerations, I agreed to continue with the Platinum card and told the Service staff so.
Weeks passed, still no letter. I called them again. Another check in their system, Yes, a letter was initiated and mailed out to me soon after my last call. What is that, ma'am? You did not receive the letter? Now, here is where MY plan changed to become HIS plan.
My second enquiry came after the card expiry date, meaning if I still want the Platinum card, I will have to put in a fresh request. Means, I have to fill in the application form (available on their website) and provide the necessary documents all over again. The last time I did this was, oh about 20-odd years ago...:D
That did not bother me. What did was, with the new card means I would now have 3 creditcard accounts with the bank. Nope, ma'am, we cannot transfer your existing balance and whatever instructions you have on the 'old' card to the new one. Meaning I cannot use the 'old' Mastercard because it no longer exists but I still have to pay for any outstanding balances on that card. AND for any new charges to the new card.
And then it struck me. Hey, that Mastercard has a joint limit with my Visa which means that, effectively I don't really need 2 cards from the bank. I only need one. All I have to do is transfer my auto debit instructions to that one card. Well, as a representative of the bank, of course she'd want me to re-apply for a new card but she cannot say I was wrong, either. And so it was, I very proudly and confidently told her that nope, I will just stick to this card, never mind that it is a Classic card. It's the limit that matters and matters to me.
But what's more pertinent is, as she was telling me about my ending up with 3 accounts, my mind suddenly reminded me that this could be the opportunity for me to rationalise my expenses, and take that step closer to reducing my dependence on creditcards! Wasn't trying to free myself from debt one of the reasons I wanted to work from home...wasn't trying to dissociate myself from elements of interest and riba' one of the other reasons I left my former employers?
Allahuakhbar...as always, He continues to guide me along the path that He has planned for me. Alhamdulillah.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
