Desjardins Reverts Credit Card Balance Display Following Customer Backlash
Desjardins, a major Canadian financial cooperative, is reinstating the option to view credit card balances in real-time on its AccèsD application, responding to widespread confusion and discontent among members and customers. The move comes after a recent system update altered how balances were displayed, initially removing immediate visibility of pending transactions.
“Desjardins is transferring credit card processing to a new system, […] to continue to meet the needs and expectations of members and customers,” the cooperative stated in a press release on Wednesday. Improvements to the credit card detail view are being rolled out over the next few days.
How the New System Works
Users will continue to see the “official” balance, reflecting only invoiced transactions. Yet, by clicking on their card within the AccèsD app, an “estimated used credit” will now be displayed. This provides a real-time view of all transactions and payments, including those that have not yet been billed.
Desjardins clarifies that the “estimated used credit” amount is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official balance, as it fluctuates until transactions are finalized and invoiced.
Customer Concerns and Petition
The initial change, implemented last week, delayed balance updates by 24 hours after a credit card payment. Authorized but unbilled transactions and payments in process were excluded from the balance until billed. This shift sparked significant frustration, leading to an online petition garnering over 16,000 signatures.
Despite the outcry, a Desjardins Movement spokesperson initially indicated that reverting to the previous display was not possible due to limitations of the new system. However, the cooperative has now found a solution to address customer concerns.
Overdraft Transfer Functionality Discontinued
As previously announced, Desjardins is removing the overdraft transfer functionality on March 28. This feature, which automatically transferred funds from a credit card to cover account overdrafts, is not supported by the new credit card management system.
Members can manage their credit card accounts online through Desjardins’ website or via the AccèsD application. Further information and support are available by calling 514-397-4415 (Montreal area) or 1-800-363-3380 (elsewhere in Canada and the US).
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