Samir Patel, an HDFC Bank credit card customer, alleges repeated calls urging EMI conversion despite timely full payments. Complaint published on Choice4Voice.com to raise awareness about unwanted banking sales calls.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Credit Card – Samir Patel Reports Unwanted EMI Conversion Calls Despite No Outstanding Balance | Choice4Voice.com
| Complainant Name | Samir Patel |
|---|---|
| Company Name(s) | HDFC Bank Ltd. |
| Nature of Complaint | Repeated unwanted EMI conversion calls despite timely payments |
| Incident Duration | Ongoing over the past few months |
| Incident Details | Customer has cleared all credit card bills in full and on time for the past 5 months. Despite this, HDFC Bank continues to call repeatedly to offer EMI conversion on credit card bills. Complainant has explicitly declined the offer but calls persist. |
| Location Mentioned | India |
| Main Issues Raised | Ignoring customer consent, aggressive product push, and poor customer experience |
| Original Post Platform | |
| Original Post Link | View LinkedIn Post |
Case Overview
At Choice4Voice.com, we document genuine consumer grievances to encourage corporate accountability and fair treatment of customers.
In this case, Samir Patel, a credit card holder with HDFC Bank, states that he has been using the card for over 5 months, paying all bills in full and on time, without leaving any outstanding balance.
Despite this responsible usage, he has been receiving repeated calls from the bank urging him to convert his bill into an EMI (Equated Monthly Installment). Samir reports that he has clearly communicated his disinterest in the offer multiple times, yet the calls continue.
His concern is not just about the inconvenience but about the principle of respecting a customer’s “NO”. In his view, banks should focus on enhancing customer experience, rather than persistently pushing products that have already been declined.
Key Concerns Raised
- Consent Ignored – The customer’s refusal is not respected.
- Aggressive Marketing – Overly persistent sales tactics despite clear communication.
- Customer Inconvenience – Frequent unwanted calls disrupt personal and professional time.
- Reputation Risk – Such practices may harm the bank’s image and erode customer trust.
- Industry-Wide Issue – Many customers face similar problems with multiple banks.
Why This Matters to Consumers
Financial service providers have a duty to respect a customer’s preferences and communication choices. Persistent sales calls can cause frustration, stress, and loss of trust.
Banks must maintain a balance between promoting their products and respecting customer boundaries. Repeated unwanted contact not only affects relationships but may also violate telemarketing and privacy regulations in India.
Choice4Voice.com calls upon HDFC Bank to address such complaints seriously and ensure customer consent preferences are honoured across all communication channels.
Choice4Voice.com 20-Question Consumer Awareness Q&A
Q1: Is it legal for banks to call repeatedly despite a customer’s refusal?
While banks can market products, persistent calls after a refusal can violate Do Not Disturb (DND) and privacy guidelines under TRAI regulations.
Q2: What is an EMI conversion offer?
It’s a facility allowing credit card holders to convert large bill amounts into smaller monthly payments with added interest or processing fees.
Q3: Why might banks push EMI conversion even for customers paying in full?
Banks earn interest and fees from EMI conversions, so they may target all customers, even those who pay on time, as a potential revenue source.
Q4: Can I opt out of all promotional calls from my bank?
Yes you can request to be added to the bank’s internal DND list and also register with the National DND registry via TRAI.
Q5: What are my rights under the Consumer Protection Act in such cases?
You have the right to fair treatment and can lodge a complaint if you face harassment through repeated unsolicited calls.
Q6: How do I lodge a complaint about unwanted banking calls?
You can file a grievance with the bank’s nodal officer, escalate to the RBI Ombudsman, or complain via the National Consumer Helpline.
Q7: Does RBI regulate bank telemarketing practices?
RBI provides guidelines for fair customer treatment, but telemarketing is primarily regulated by TRAI’s DND framework.
Q8: How quickly must a bank honour a “Do Not Call” request?
Under TRAI regulations, banks must update records and stop unsolicited calls within 7 days of receiving the request.
Q9: Can repeated unwanted calls be considered harassment?
Yes especially if the calls persist after clear communication and opting out, they may be treated as harassment under Indian law.
Q10: Does saying “NO” once guarantee no future calls?
In theory, yes in practice, it requires that your preference be recorded in the bank’s CRM system and respected by all sales teams.
Q11: How can Choice4Voice.com help in such matters?
Choice4Voice.com amplifies consumer voices by publishing verified complaints to hold banks accountable in the public domain.
Q12: Can such calls affect my credit score?
No unwanted sales calls don’t impact your credit score, but falling for unwanted EMI schemes could lead to more debt and affect it later.
Q13: Are there penalties for violating DND norms?
Yes TRAI can fine telemarketers for each unsolicited call made to a registered DND number.
Q14: Can I block specific bank numbers?
Yes you can block numbers on your phone, but banks may call from multiple lines, making this a partial solution.
Q15: Is there an industry-wide code of conduct for sales calls?
Yes the Indian Banks’ Association recommends respecting customer preferences, but compliance varies by bank.
Q16: Why is consent so important in financial services?
Consent protects customers from unwanted financial obligations and ensures they only receive relevant offers.
Q17: Can I take legal action against a bank for harassment?
Yes you can file a case in consumer court or approach the police if calls become excessively intrusive.
Q18: Does HDFC Bank have an official escalation channel for such complaints?
Yes customers can email the bank’s grievance redressal officer or escalate to the Principal Nodal Officer.
Q19: How should a bank follow up after a customer declines an offer?
Best practice is to mark the customer as “not interested” and avoid future follow-ups unless initiated by the customer.
Q20: What steps should HDFC Bank take in this case?
Immediately stop the unwanted calls, review sales team scripts, ensure consent management compliance, and issue an apology to the complainant.
At Choice4Voice.com, we support customers like Samir Patel who stand up against aggressive and unwanted marketing practices. Banks must remember that trust is built on respect, and respecting a customer’s “NO” is the first step.
