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 →Vipin Kumar Sharma has accused HDFC Bank of refusing to refund his excess credit card payment despite repeated requests. Choice4Voice.com highlights his struggle and provides legal remedies.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Credit Card Complaint – Vipin Kumar Sharma Denied Refund of Excess Payment
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Vipin Kumar Sharma |
| Not disclosed | |
| Company/Brand | HDFC Bank |
| Complaint Type | Refund Denial / Poor Customer Service |
| Product/Service | HDFC Bank Credit Card (ending 3016) |
| Issue Description | Customer paid an excess amount on his credit card and requested a refund. HDFC Bank refused without valid reasons and insisted on a physical consent letter despite his financial hardship. No resolution despite repeated emails and calls. |
| Date of Incident | Ongoing |
| Company’s Response | Insistence on consent letter to Chennai; no follow-up resolution. |
| Complainant’s LinkedIn Post | View Original Post |
Full Complaint Write-Up
Vipin Kumar Sharma, a customer of HDFC Bank Credit Card Services, has publicly raised a grievance against the bank for withholding his excess payment refund.
According to his statement:
- He had paid an excess amount towards his HDFC Bank Credit Card ending with 3016.
- He requested a refund of the excess balance, but HDFC’s customer service, represented by Ms. Murugalakshmi P, refused to process it without a physical consent letter sent to Chennai.
- Vipin explained that he is currently unemployed and cannot afford additional expenses for sending documents physically.
- Despite repeated emails and calls, his requests have been ignored.
- Even his request to transfer the refund to an alternative account was denied without reason.
He expressed his frustration by stating that if HDFC Bank cannot refund his money, he will consider it a donation to the bank as charity a strong statement reflecting the helplessness faced by many customers.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we help customers like Vipin fight back against unfair practices by:
- Publishing their complaints to put public pressure on banks.
- Guiding on RBI Ombudsman complaints for unresolved refund cases.
- Providing pre-drafted legal and grievance templates to escalate matters.
- Ensuring that banks are held accountable for delays and unfair customer service practices.
Applicable Legal Cases
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.
- RBI Credit Card Rules – Refund of excess payment is a customer’s right; delays amount to violation.
- Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2021 – Covers cases of non-refund and harassment by customer service.
- Contractual Breach – Bank failing to honor its own service commitments.
Authorities Where Complaint Can Be Filed
- RBI Ombudsman (cms.rbi.org.in) – For failure to refund excess payment.
- Consumer Forum (edaakhil.nic.in) – For mental harassment and deficiency in service.
- SEBI (if linked to credit rating impact) – If refund delay affects credit score.
- Ministry of Finance Grievance Cell (pgportal.gov.in) – For escalation against banking malpractice.
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guide
1. RBI Ombudsman Complaint
- Visit https://cms.rbi.org.in.
- Select HDFC Bank → Credit Card → Refund/Payment Issues.
- Attach supporting documents (emails, call records, card statement).
2. Consumer Forum Complaint
- File online at https://edaakhil.nic.in.
- Claim refund plus compensation for harassment and time lost.
3. PG Portal Escalation
- Go to https://pgportal.gov.in.
- File under Ministry of Finance → Department of Financial Services.
Pre-Drafted Templates
(A) Email to RBI Ombudsman
Subject: Complaint Against HDFC Bank – Denial of Refund of Excess Credit Card Payment
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, Vipin Kumar Sharma, am a credit card customer of HDFC Bank (Card ending 3016). I had paid an excess amount towards my card and requested a refund. Despite repeated follow-ups, HDFC Bank has refused to process the refund unless I send a physical consent letter to Chennai.
I am currently unemployed and unable to bear unnecessary expenses. My request to transfer the refund to an alternate account was also denied without reason. Calls and emails are now being ignored.
This is a clear case of deficiency in service and violation of RBI’s guidelines on customer rights. I request urgent intervention for refund of my money.
Sincerely,
Vipin Kumar Sharma
(B) Consumer Forum Petition (Summary)
Case Title: Vipin Kumar Sharma vs. HDFC Bank
Relief Sought: Refund of excess credit card payment + Compensation for harassment and delay.
Brand Background – HDFC Bank
- Founded: 1994
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Known For: India’s largest private sector bank by assets.
- Recent Issues: Rising complaints regarding credit card charges, poor refund handling, and aggressive customer service.
Q&A
1. How do I get a refund of excess payment from HDFC Bank credit card?
You must raise a written request via HDFC customer care. If ignored, escalate to RBI Ombudsman.
2. Can HDFC Bank deny refund of extra payment on a credit card?
No. RBI mandates that excess credit card payments must be refunded or adjusted as per customer’s request.
3. How long does it take for HDFC Bank to refund excess card payment?
Normally 7–10 working days after request. Delays can be challenged legally.
4. What if HDFC Bank refuses to refund excess credit card payment?
You can file a complaint with RBI Ombudsman and Consumer Forum.
5. Is physical consent letter mandatory for HDFC card refunds?
No. RBI allows electronic consent. Forcing physical letters creates unnecessary hardship.
6. Can unemployment be a reason to demand quicker refunds?
Yes, banks must consider financial hardship and resolve refunds swiftly.
7. What is the RBI Ombudsman portal link?
8. Can I transfer my excess card balance to another account?
Yes, the bank must refund via NEFT/IMPS/cheque to your registered account.
9. What legal action can I take against HDFC Bank for refund denial?
You can file in Consumer Forum and claim compensation.
10. Does refund delay affect CIBIL score?
Not directly, but mishandled refunds may lead to incorrect reporting.
11. Can I file a complaint on PG Portal against HDFC?
Yes, PG Portal allows escalation under the Finance Ministry.
12. What documents are needed for an RBI Ombudsman complaint?
Credit card statement, payment proof, emails/call records, and complaint reference number.
13. How do I escalate unresolved HDFC Bank issues?
Escalate via RBI Ombudsman or Consumer Forum if customer care fails.
14. What if HDFC ignores RBI Ombudsman instructions?
RBI can penalize the bank and enforce compliance.
15. What compensation can I claim in consumer court?
Refund + interest + mental harassment compensation.
16. Is there a timeline for banks to process refunds?
Yes, refunds must be initiated within 7 days of a valid request.
17. Who is responsible for refund approval in HDFC Bank?
The Credit Card Division based in Chennai.
18. Can I take legal action against the customer service representative personally?
No, complaints must be filed against the bank as an institution.
19. What are RBI rules on credit card refunds?
RBI mandates timely refunds and prohibits unnecessary barriers for customers.
20. Can social media complaints help in refund cases?
Yes, public complaints create pressure and often result in faster resolutions.
