I visited one of the Tyre Showroom in Bangalore and showed interest in purchasing one 'Tyre + Tube' which costs Rs. 1700/-.
Since i did not have cash, I decided to pay by the HDFC Bank Credit card.
The shop person said that they would charge me 2.5 percent extra if I pay by Credit Card (which would amount to a total of Rs. 1745/-). I agreed to pay the extra 45 Rupees.
He swiped my card for Rs. 1700/- gave me the bill with amount mentioned in as Rs.1700/- and asked me to pay the remaining 45 Rupees by cash.
I said I am happy to pay the the extra 45 rupees, but that has to be mentioned in the bill. They were not ready to do that. More over I was not carrying any cash with me. I had a very bad experience there. I was being a victim of their rude action and behavior. Finally they were not ready to sell me the tyre, they teared off the bill in front of me, and was forcing me repeatedly to agree to them to void the transaction (of Rs. 1700/-).
Finally I was forced to come out of the shop disappointed and helpless, and with out the tyre.
What I would like to understand from the HDFC Bank Credit Card is-
1) Is it necessary to carry cash along with the HDFC Bank Credit Card all the time? Even in the shops where they proudly mention "We accept Credit Cards"?
2) Even after agreeing to pay them the extra money why they were not able to charge it on the credit card? Is it any agreement between the Bank and the Merchant to charge customers extra money over the bill that too only by cash?
3) Would using HDFC Credit Card make me pay extra money (In this case 2.5% extra) every where? If yes, then I think I will have to reconsider using the Credit Card.
4) What would you advice me to do, if the same situation repeats (probably i will have to visit the shop again for the same tyre).
5) Do you completely agree with the shop people (for charging the 2.5% extra by cash which would not be showed on the bill nor be chard on the Credit card)?
6) Do you have any other advice which i can try following to avoid such embarrassing situations while using HDFC Bank Credit Card?
Date: 13 April 2012
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Reply from HDFC Bank Credit Card
We understand the inconvenience caused to you at the Merchant Establishment and wish to inform that the merchants ( except for petrol pumps, railways and certain Govt establishments) are not authorized to levy any additional charges over and above the value of the transaction.
We wish to clarify that HDFC Bank do not charge the 2.5% charges from customers which you mentioned mail for the transactions on your credit card.
However incase the merchant has charged the same, we request you to kindly liase with the merchant in this regard.
