Abhinav Jha, Founder of TirhutWala.com, raised a serious complaint against SBI Samastipur branch for negligence in issuing AD Code. Read full details and official complaint published on Choice4Voice.com
Complaint Summary : State Bank of India Samastipur Branch Negligence – Complaint by Abhinav Jha, TirhutWala.com
| Complaint Against | State Bank of India – Samastipur Branch |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Abhinav Jha, Founder of TirhutWala.com |
| Issue | Negligence and delay in issuing AD Code for export |
| Account Opened | 2024 |
| Problem Faced | One year delay, wrong information provided, SWIFT code given instead of AD code, repeated excuses |
| Escalation | Complaint escalated to higher authorities |
| Resolution | After escalation, AD Code was issued within 24 hours |
| Complainant’s Statement | “Change doesn’t come by running away, it comes by standing firm and demanding accountability.” |
| Original LinkedIn Post | View Here |
Full Complaint Report
Abhinav Jha, Founder of TirhutWala.com, shared his frustrating experience with State Bank of India (SBI), Samastipur Branch regarding the issuance of his AD Code required for export purposes.
After smoothly opening his company’s current account, he was informed that the AD Code would only be provided after one year. He patiently waited. However, once he became eligible, the branch continued to delay and misguide him.
The branch manager shockingly told him that the AD Code would be issued by the distributor company, and later casually sent the SWIFT Code instead of AD Code, highlighting a lack of basic banking knowledge. When he pointed out the error, the manager assured resolution through the Patna branch, but nothing was done.
Frustrated, Abhinav considered closing the account. To his surprise, the manager even encouraged him to file for closure instead of resolving the issue.
When Abhinav escalated the matter to higher authorities, the grievance team intervened, and the AD Code was issued within 24 hours by the same branch manager.
Key Highlights:
- SBI staff failed to differentiate between SWIFT Code and AD Code.
- Branch manager continuously delayed resolution with excuses.
- Escalation worked – grievance team resolved the issue in just 24 hours.
- Complainant chose not to close the account but to demand accountability for systemic improvement.
Choice4Voice.com
At Choice4Voice.com, we believe in amplifying genuine consumer voices. This complaint by Abhinav Jha was originally shared publicly on LinkedIn and has been republished to ensure accountability.
We only publish complaints that are either:
- Already shared publicly on LinkedIn, or
- Directly submitted through our website: Submit Your Complaint Here
Our aim is to enhance the visibility of customer grievances so that companies take faster action.
If State Bank of India has already resolved this issue, they can contact us, and we will update the complaint status with a “Resolved” note.
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Most Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is an AD Code in banking?
An Authorized Dealer (AD) Code is a 14-digit code issued by banks and registered with customs for export transactions. It is mandatory for exporters to link their bank account with customs.
Q2. Why did SBI delay issuing Abhinav Jha’s AD Code?
According to the complaint, the SBI branch manager kept delaying with excuses, even providing wrong information, until the matter was escalated.
Q3. Can SWIFT Code be used instead of AD Code?
No, SWIFT Code and AD Code are completely different. SWIFT is used for international transfers, while AD Code is mandatory for customs clearance in exports.
Q4. How long does it normally take to get an AD Code from SBI?
Typically, an AD Code should be issued within a few days after applying with the necessary documents. A delay of over one year, as faced in this case, is highly irregular.
Q5. What action can exporters take if a bank delays their AD Code?
Exporters can escalate the complaint to the bank’s grievance redressal team or RBI Banking Ombudsman for faster resolution.
Q6. Did SBI finally issue the AD Code to Abhinav Jha?
Yes, after escalation, the SBI grievance team intervened, and the AD Code was issued within 24 hours.
Q7. Why didn’t Abhinav Jha close his SBI account?
Instead of moving to a private bank, he chose to fight the issue to ensure systemic accountability, so future entrepreneurs don’t face the same problem.
Q8. What lesson can entrepreneurs learn from this case?
Persistence and escalation can bring results. Accepting negligence or running away does not solve systemic issues.
Q9. Where can exporters file complaints against banks for negligence?
Exporters can raise grievances via:
- The bank’s internal grievance team
- RBI Ombudsman
- Platforms like Choice4Voice.com to amplify their voice
Q10. How can I submit my own banking complaint to Choice4Voice.com?
You can submit your complaint directly via this link: Submit Complaint
Q11. Is it mandatory for exporters to have an AD Code?
Yes, without an AD Code, exporters cannot generate shipping bills on ICEGATE (customs portal).
Q12. What documents are required to apply for an AD Code?
Generally:
- PAN Card
- Import-Export Code (IEC)
- Current Account details
- GST Registration
- Company incorporation documents
Q13. Can AD Code be transferred from one bank to another?
Yes, exporters can apply for AD Code linking through a new bank, but the process requires re-registration with customs.
Q14. What role does RBI play in AD Code issuance?
RBI authorizes banks to issue AD Codes but does not directly issue them. Negligence from banks should be escalated to RBI Ombudsman.
Q15. How long is an AD Code valid?
Once issued and registered with customs, it remains valid unless there are major changes in the business or bank account.
Q16. Can exporters have multiple AD Codes?
Yes, exporters can have different AD Codes for different bank accounts and ports.
Q17. What impact does delay in AD Code have on exporters?
It blocks their ability to start exports, leading to financial losses and delayed shipments.
Q18. Did SBI officially respond to this complaint?
As per the complainant, SBI grievance team resolved it after escalation, but no formal public apology has been issued.
Q19. How does Choice4Voice.com ensure fairness in publishing complaints?
We only publish cases that are already in the public domain (LinkedIn) or directly submitted on our website, ensuring transparency.
Q20. Can companies reply and close their complaint cases on Choice4Voice.com?
Yes, any brand can contact us after resolution, and we will mark the complaint as “Resolved” for public clarity.
