"It was so much simpler in the old days," a colleague remarked this morning. "You would go to the bank. Wait for an hour or so before someone would speak with you. They would get you to fill up multiple copies of a form for any request. And you'd be able to get the passbook updated with most recent transactions".
He was fuming at his bank unilaterally deciding to send him an electronic statement, "following a request from you". The request had never been made, but the bank could charge Rs 200 for the privilege.
Banking has never been a pleasant experience in Delhi, but it has gotten worse with the arrival of private banks.
They have nicely dressed individuals and very open and welcoming feel to their branches. But they are far more clueless and almost as reluctant to help as government banks of the olden days. At least that is what my impression has been.
Before I reached Delhi, there were all kinds of stories about bank. You sign up to a different minimum balance and within months it is a much higher amount. They penalise you for everything - often creating excuses to do that. They lost track of a bank transfer and it required days of effort to trace the money.
I researched and deliberated on which bank to go with, eventually ignoring a convenient relationship that my bank had for a new bank.
The initial experience wasn't too great. The first two times that I walked into their branch, someone was calling upon the sisters or mothers of the employees and threatening to do bad things. On the first occasions, the man was escorted out of the branch. On the second occasion, the man was very close to being shoved out.
I decided to go back to the familiar territory of managing my money over the internet. The less interaction you have with people, the less irritated you are likely to be.
But this morning, I had to go to my bank. Opening an account through work has been a long haul. For over a month, it has been happening today or tomorrow or the day after. I didn't feel like waiting any more.
Don't know whether being the first one (apart from the staff that is) at the bank did the trick, but it was such a smooth sailing that I couldn't believe it. Bank account? Yes, that can be done. How much time will it take? Shouldn't be more than 30 minutes. Can you do it now? Yes, sir. Do you need identity documents? No, we have those - just need the PAN Card. Will it be operational straightaway. Of course, it will be. How much time will the Debit Card, Cheque Book etc will take? About 7-10 working days. Can it be delivered to my parents' house? Most certainly.
True to her word, she crossed off the bits that I didn't need to fill up. I provided information that was needed, while she took photocopy of my PAN card. Then, she disappeared for 15-minutes or so and was back with an account number and asked for the initial deposit.
The deposit made, I had a new bank account which would facilitate deposits made in Indian currency. I felt like kicking myself. Why didn't I do this weeks ago? Up until I visited the branch, I didn't realise that even if you don't have a PAN card, you can put in a self-declaration that you don't have tax liabilities in India.
So, based on today's experience - I am a bit more positive about private banks. And to sweeten the taste in my mouth, the bank was even offering candies - which I couldn't help helping myself to.
Up until the next time, then. Hope I am not the one to be chucked out next time.
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