Deduction of SMAB charges without informing about the change?

Question

Hi, I am having a salary bank account  from last one and half years I was just checking my bank statement and got the shock of my life. My account has been debited by MAB charge last month. 30/12/2015 SMAB Chgs-Nov15+Stax 58 458.00. I tried emailing the bank but there was no response even after five working days . I don't have any mail informing about this MAB charges. I have no information from bank. No call, no mail and no msg. Now that I understand that bank has not informed me about change of balance system, hence any deduction from account for the same is totally wrong and if charges deducted are not credited back to my account then I will be left with no other option but to take this matter to higher authorities and Banking Ombudsman as this is CLEAR VIOLATION of Rule 8(1)(k) i.e. "levying of charges without adequate prior notice to the customer" of The Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006.

Answer 1

Dear Danial

At the outset, let me clarify that this site is designed by a group of Senior Banking Professionals to assist Bank Customers at large to provide guidance for resolution of any complain/query/grievance in respect of financial services. This site does not belong to any Bank or a regulator, which may please be noted.

I agree with you.  However, you need to make sure before approaching Banking Ombudsman that your salary account with the bank was exempted for maintenance of any minimum average balance and whether the salary was getting credited regularly.  Banks generally  convert salary accounts to normal accounts, if the salary credits are nor reflected for 3 months.  Once the account becomes normal savings, then all relevant charges become applicable.  Hence, do check the facts and take up the highlight the issue accordingly.  If the charges are wrongly levied on your account, you may also bring the same to the notice of your employer.

RAJA