Sunday, September 28, 2008

Unfair exchange rate

A bank customer converted currency from GBP to NZD. He was charged a spread of more than 2% for the conversion, or more than $1,000 for the transaction. He asked the bank for their method of calculation, but the bank refused to disclose it. The customer asked my advice on how to deal with this matter.

My advice is:
1. I suggest that you bring this lodge a complaint to the CEO of OCBC Bank on your transaction. Your complaint should address the unfair conversion rate that you have been given.
2. If this matter is not resolved, you can lodge a complaint with Financial Industry Dispute Resolution Center, FiDREC (fidrec.com.sg).
3. You can also consider to get the assistance of the Consumer Assocation, CASE: