For years I maintained I would never own a credit card. I insisted that I could my manage my finances perfectly well without one and I saw the card as a millstone, encouraging high levels of debt and incurring crippling levels of interest. However, technology has influenced the way we live like few could have imagined and now having a credit card is essential for buying things on the internet and such like. A few years ago I took out a Bank of Scotland credit card but then replaced this with what seemed like a good deal from an American company called MBNA. And it was - until now.
Yesterday and again this morning, I tried to use my card to make deposits to my account at Bet365 website. The first attempts were not processed as they were 'not authorised'. Thinking it was the fault of the Bet365 website, I tried Ladbrokes - but the same problem occurred.
I telephoned MBNA's customer services team today. After battling to get past the voice activated computer system, I eventually spoke to a human being. I was advised that, as I was using the card for gambling purposes, the transaction was being barred. I asked the fella on the other end of the phone to repeat what he had said as I had difficulty in not thinking he was winding me up. He wasn't. It seems MBNA have now adopted a moral stance with their customers - no, Mr Smith, thou shalt not gamble.
I telephoned MBNA's customer services team today. After battling to get past the voice activated computer system, I eventually spoke to a human being. I was advised that, as I was using the card for gambling purposes, the transaction was being barred. I asked the fella on the other end of the phone to repeat what he had said as I had difficulty in not thinking he was winding me up. He wasn't. It seems MBNA have now adopted a moral stance with their customers - no, Mr Smith, thou shalt not gamble.
I find this remarkable given I have used my card for this purpose before - the last time being in March 2009, which hardly makes me a compulsive gambler. But what really annoys me is that this company can dictate what I can use my card to make purchases on.
I have never fallen behind with payments on my card in all the years I have been a customer. In fact, most months I pay off the outstanding amount due. To now be told by MBNA that I no longer have a choice in how I use my card is, frankly, outrageous.
I am now seriously considering ceasing my custom with MBNA and going elsewhere - somewhere the customer has a choice.
I have never fallen behind with payments on my card in all the years I have been a customer. In fact, most months I pay off the outstanding amount due. To now be told by MBNA that I no longer have a choice in how I use my card is, frankly, outrageous.
I am now seriously considering ceasing my custom with MBNA and going elsewhere - somewhere the customer has a choice.
My advice to you, dear reader, is if you are thinking of becoming a customer with MBNA Credit Card services - think long and hard before doing so.
