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May 12, 2010
So hard to change Ez-Reload top-up value
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<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->IN RECENT years, several banks have launched credit cards that double as ez-link cards. Following the launch of the Cepas-complaint ez-link card, a facility called EZ-Reload was also started. It allows for automatic top-up of cards to a predetermined value once the remaining value is insufficient to pay for a user's next transaction.
On the surface, this seems like a boon for users - no more standing in line at counters or machines to top up cards. But in reality, it can mean more trouble.
I received my new Citibank SMRT Platinum Visa card in the mail. It was a replacement for my previous card, which was expiring soon.
A week later, I received the activation letter for the EZ-Reload facility. The default top-up amount was $30; I was not given a choice. I actually wanted it to be $50, as fees are incurred each time a top-up is made.
I queued up at the TransitLink ticket office to increase the top-up amount. But I learnt I was not allowed to change the amount. To do so, I would need to:
- Activate the card with the default top-up amount of $30.
- Wait seven working days after that.
- Apply to deactivate the EZ-Reload facility.
- Apply again to activate the facility with a $50 top-up amount.
- Wait again for the new activation letter to arrive.
- Take the letter to the station to re-activate the EZ-Reload facility.
The entire process would take close to a month to complete. What a hassle that could have been avoided had I been allowed to choose the top-up amount, or if TransitLink had allowed me to change the amount.
What is even more ridiculous is the fact that my Citibank Visa card was a replacement. The previous card's top-up amount had been $50.
My message to banks is: Do not make assumptions on your customers' behalf.
Wu Min Xiu
So hard to change Ez-Reload top-up value
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->IN RECENT years, several banks have launched credit cards that double as ez-link cards. Following the launch of the Cepas-complaint ez-link card, a facility called EZ-Reload was also started. It allows for automatic top-up of cards to a predetermined value once the remaining value is insufficient to pay for a user's next transaction.
On the surface, this seems like a boon for users - no more standing in line at counters or machines to top up cards. But in reality, it can mean more trouble.
I received my new Citibank SMRT Platinum Visa card in the mail. It was a replacement for my previous card, which was expiring soon.
A week later, I received the activation letter for the EZ-Reload facility. The default top-up amount was $30; I was not given a choice. I actually wanted it to be $50, as fees are incurred each time a top-up is made.
I queued up at the TransitLink ticket office to increase the top-up amount. But I learnt I was not allowed to change the amount. To do so, I would need to:
- Activate the card with the default top-up amount of $30.
- Wait seven working days after that.
- Apply to deactivate the EZ-Reload facility.
- Apply again to activate the facility with a $50 top-up amount.
- Wait again for the new activation letter to arrive.
- Take the letter to the station to re-activate the EZ-Reload facility.
The entire process would take close to a month to complete. What a hassle that could have been avoided had I been allowed to choose the top-up amount, or if TransitLink had allowed me to change the amount.
What is even more ridiculous is the fact that my Citibank Visa card was a replacement. The previous card's top-up amount had been $50.
My message to banks is: Do not make assumptions on your customers' behalf.
Wu Min Xiu
