Refusal to waive/refund $395 fee for Diamond Rewards

[cardiology]

Just return from an overseas trip and found that my upgraded Diamond Rewards card got charged the $395 annual fee. Called to ask for a waiving of the fee and got refused. Told the CS agent to cancel the card for a refund and got refused straight away saying that they do not have an annual fee refund policy. That means I need to pay this fee and use the card until Dec 18! Anyone heard about this policy? Can I call ACCC to complaint on a refusal to refund the fee on a pro rata basis?

Thanks.

 

[robtemt]

Do you have multiple accounts with CBA? We have a relationship manager who handles everything for us at CBA. From annual fees, to random little fees for us doing stupid things (charging betting sites to our CC which is a cash advance), she waives them all. We just call her mobile or email her.

 

[RooFlyer]

I gather the card was auto renewed on its anniversary 18 December, the fee charged, and you were using it past that time? If so, that makes it difficult to get a refund, as you have used the product, earned the points etc. Pro rata might be easier, but its one for the black letter T&Cs. Have a read and if it looks like you have a case, call back and try again and ask for the issue to be escalated if needs be.

 

[mannej]

The threat of the ACCC is an empty bluff is it not as they refer you to the FSO?

 

[oz_mark]

It would depend on what the Terms of the card have to say. I don;t think there is any legal obligation on the bank to refund anything, given you are the one terminating the contract.

 

[RooFlyer]

I've had no problems cancelling an auto renewed card and getting fee refunded when i cancel it, as long as it's been unused and soon after the renewal.

 

[SOPOOR]

Well. My fee is due soon
And I requested to waive my fee.
Mines been 250 for some reason its whole life.

Straight out refusal.
Got offered 10k points.
Which they said is a massive 4200 odd velocity points.

I even said I've had this card or its predecessors for 15 yrs. Or more

It didn't work.

Will definitely be cancelling I shortly just before the fee is due

Quite sad to cancel a card that I've had pretty much my whole adult life