If you’re experiencing this problem with this brand or any other company, submit your complaint and we may feature it on Choice4Voice.com.
Submit your complaint →Law student Muskan Singh from UPES Dehradun reports that HDFC Bank charged her a debit card annual fee even after formal deactivation. Read the full story on Choice4Voice.com, explore possible legal actions, and learn how consumers can protect their rights in such banking disputes.
HDFC Bank Charged Fee After Card Deactivation | Muskan Singh Raises Concern | Choice4Voice.com
Complaint Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Muskan Singh B. |
| Profession | Corporate Law Student, UPES Dehradun |
| Bank Involved | HDFC Bank |
| Issue Type | Unjustified Debit Card Annual Fee |
| Incident Summary | Fee deducted for a deactivated debit card |
| Relief Sought | Immediate refund and process correction |
| Complaint Filed To | HDFC Bank; escalation planned to RBI Ombudsman |
| Location | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Source | LinkedIn Public Post |
What Happened – Full Story
Muskan Singh, a corporate law student from UPES Dehradun, recently raised an alarming issue involving HDFC Bank’s debit card fee policy.
Despite having formally deactivated her debit card, she noticed that annual maintenance charges were still deducted from her account. According to her, this was both unexpected and unjustified, especially given that the card had never been used.
Muskan stated that she had already informed the bank about the deactivation. Therefore, the automatic deduction of annual fees after deactivation signals a possible systemic or procedural lapse within HDFC Bank’s automated billing system.
She has filed a formal complaint with the bank and expects an immediate refund. However, she also warned that if the issue remains unresolved, she will escalate the matter to the RBI Banking Ombudsman for appropriate action.
Why This Issue Matters
Unauthorized or unjustified charges after account or card deactivation raise serious concerns about:
- Banking transparency and consumer trust
- Accountability in automated billing systems
- Proper implementation of customer instructions
- Violation of RBI’s fair banking and consumer protection norms
Such issues may not only cause financial inconvenience but also shake public confidence in the reliability of digital banking systems.
Legal Case Can Be Filed
If the issue remains unresolved, the following legal actions may be applicable:
| Legal Case Type | Applicable Under | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Complaint for Deficiency in Service | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Customer can file against HDFC Bank for charging a fee post card deactivation. |
| Banking Malpractice Complaint | RBI Ombudsman Scheme | Can be lodged if refund or reversal is denied by the bank. |
| Unfair Trade Practice | Section 2(47) of CPA, 2019 | If automated deductions were made despite prior deactivation confirmation. |
| Data Misuse or Unauthorized Transaction | Information Technology Act, 2000 | If the card was reactivated or billed without consent. |
How to File a Complaint Against HDFC Bank
Step 1 – Write to HDFC Bank Grievance Redressal
Email: grievance.redressal@hdfcbank.com
Attach account details, date of deduction, and proof of card deactivation.
Step 2 – Escalate to the Nodal Officer
If unresolved within 30 days, contact the Principal Nodal Officer of HDFC Bank via their official grievance portal.
Step 3 – File Complaint with RBI Ombudsman
Visit: https://cms.rbi.org.in
Select “File Complaint” under the Ombudsman Scheme.
Step 4 – Consumer Forum Filing
If monetary loss or mental distress occurs, you can also file under the Consumer Protection Act at the District Consumer Forum.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we amplify genuine consumer grievances ignored by corporations. Once a complaint is verified, it is published on our website and promoted across social media, creating public accountability pressure for timely resolution.
Our goal is to empower consumers with legal knowledge, pre-drafted templates, and official complaint channels so their voices are not lost in bureaucratic silence.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
1. Sample Email to Bank
Subject: Request for Immediate Reversal of Unauthorized Debit Card Fee
Dear HDFC Bank Grievance Officer,
I noticed an annual debit card fee deduction despite formal deactivation of my card. Kindly initiate an immediate reversal and confirm the same in writing.
Regards,
[Your Name]
2. RBI Ombudsman Complaint (Short Format)
I am filing this complaint under the RBI Ombudsman Scheme against HDFC Bank for deducting a debit card fee post deactivation, which constitutes deficiency in service and lack of due diligence.
Author Section
About the Complainant:
Muskan Singh B. is a Corporate Law student at UPES, Dehradun, deeply passionate about financial transparency and corporate ethics. Her proactive stance on consumer rights and legal compliance reflects the growing awareness among young professionals about the importance of ethical banking.
FAQs – Most Searched Questions
1. Why did HDFC Bank charge a fee after my debit card was deactivated?
This may occur due to delayed system updates or billing errors in automated processes.
2. How can I get a refund for an unauthorized debit card fee?
Raise a complaint through HDFC Bank’s grievance portal or email, and if unresolved, escalate to RBI Ombudsman.
3. How long does HDFC Bank take to process a refund?
Generally within 7 working days, depending on internal verification.
4. Can I approach the RBI directly for such cases?
Yes, after 30 days if the bank fails to respond satisfactorily.
5. Is this considered deficiency in service?
Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, it qualifies as deficiency in service.
6. What documents are required to file a complaint?
Account statement, deactivation proof, transaction ID, and communication with the bank.
7. Can I get compensation for mental harassment?
Yes, the consumer forum may grant compensation for stress caused by wrongful deductions.
8. Where can I check RBI’s complaint guidelines?
Visit the official RBI Ombudsman portal: https://cms.rbi.org.in.
9. Is HDFC Bank allowed to charge a card fee after closure?
No, once a card is deactivated, no annual or renewal fees should apply.
10. Can I deactivate my debit card permanently online?
Yes, through HDFC NetBanking or the mobile app under Card Management → Deactivate.
11. How to ensure no further deductions after deactivation?
Request a written confirmation of closure from the bank.
12. Can banks reopen deactivated cards automatically?
Not without explicit customer consent.
13. What if the deduction was due to system error?
You can demand reversal under RBI’s “Customer Compensation for Failed Transactions” circular.
14. Who regulates debit card charges in India?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates all bank fees and charges.
15. What are the RBI rules for unauthorized charges?
Banks must reverse unauthorized fees within 7 working days after verification.
16. What if the bank refuses to reverse the charge?
You can file a legal case under the Consumer Protection Act.
17. Can I stop automatic debit instructions?
Yes, disable standing instructions or auto-debit via NetBanking.
18. What are consumer rights under RBI guidelines?
Transparency, fair treatment, and redressal for unauthorized charges.
19. Is there a timeline for Ombudsman resolution?
The Ombudsman generally resolves complaints within 30–45 days.
20. How can Choice4Voice.com assist me?
By publishing your unresolved case, increasing public visibility, and guiding you on legal recourse.
