Virgin High Flyer - supplementary card cancellation and annual fee refund

[benhadi]

Hi everyone,

Wondering whether anybody has any experience dealing with Virgin High Flyer card.

Took this up 2 months ago, and added supplementary card at the cost of $89. Wife used the card a few times, but no longer needs this (as we have other cards). Called Virgin today to cancel her supplementary card and expected to be refunded the pro-rated amount of the $89 annual fee for the additional card, and was told this is not possible and as it is an "annual fee" and she has had the benefit of using the card = no refund at all.

Is this right? I find it a pretty flawed argument, for one, and considering other providers do a pro-rated refund i am not sure whether i have been told the correct information, and whether this is legal. Should i pursue this? ACCC? FOS? Ombudsman?

Appreciate your advice.

BenHadi

 

[one9]

Hi everyone,

Wondering whether anybody has any experience dealing with Virgin High Flyer card.

Took this up 2 months ago, and added supplementary card at the cost of $89. Wife used the card a few times, but no longer needs this (as we have other cards). Called Virgin today to cancel her supplementary card and expected to be refunded the pro-rated amount of the $89 annual fee for the additional card, and was told this is not possible and as it is an "annual fee" and she has had the benefit of using the card = no refund at all.

Is this right? I find it a pretty flawed argument, for one, and considering other providers do a pro-rated refund i am not sure whether i have been told the correct information, and whether this is legal. Should i pursue this? ACCC? FOS? Ombudsman?

Appreciate your advice.

BenHadi

If you buy a Mars bar and eat half of it and then take it back to the store, do you really think they will give you a 50% refund?

If you buy a 12 month gym membership (which is at a discount compared to monthly membership) and half way through you want to cancel, do you expect them to give you a refund?

You bought a 12 month supplementary card product. I see no reason why you would get a refund. In Australia change of mind refunds are not required by law. Only for issues such as if the item is faulty, not as described etc. Some banks may give a pro-rata refund as a gesture of goodwill, but this is not required. If they offered you to pay the supplementary card fee every month instead of every year, I am sure the fee would be higher. You can't expect the best of both worlds.

 

[benhadi]

I take your point, but my experience with other providers have always been pro-rata.

I guess this serves as a learning example for others that are considering Virgin credit cards. I personally find it quite poor form of them. For the primary account, perhaps it's reasonable but for supplementary cards? Come on.