Lloyds TSB customers line up outside Dubai office after cards cancelled

DUBAI //Worried Lloyds TSB customers lined up outside the bank’s old office after their debit and credit cards were cancelled but not replaced on Sunday.

However, HSBC, which took over Lloyd’s accounts after buying the bank’s consumer and corporate business in the Middle East last year, said the majority of customers had received their new cards.

Most customers outside the rebranded HSBC building on Al Wasl Road opposite Safa Park said they had been sent their new cards before their accounts were switched.

“Over the past three months, we have made a concerted effort to contact customers via all methods available to us, including website notices, emails, telephone, mobile, print and radio ads,” a HSBC spokesman said. The bank also contacted employers offering incentives to encourage customers to complete the process.

The deadline for all former Lloyds TSB customers to have their accounts migrated to HSBC was between February 14 and 17.

The bank said it had increased resources at the Jumeirah branch and also kept its call centre channel open on Friday to help customers.

“Nonetheless, due to inaccurate contact details, extended travel or where customers have asked us to retain the welcome packs at the branch for collection, some welcome packs are still in our safekeeping,” the spokesman said.

Most customers said they had either received their new cards weeks ago or went into the office to collect them.

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