ubank Rejected 90-Year-Old's Savings Account Application - Age Discrimination? Advice Needed

Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 10:20
Last edited 27/07/2024 - 12:52 by 1 other user

Hello helpful souls, I'm seeking advice regarding a troubling situation with UBank.

My 90-year-old mother, who is retired and financially stable, attempted to open a savings account online but was rejected without clear explanation.

Key points:

  1. Mother owns a house, receives an old age pension, and has substantial cash savings.
  2. We used her passport for identification during application.
  3. Her Equifax report shows a very good credit history (we fixed an error regarding her sex).
  4. We corrected a name discrepancy on her Centrelink card.

Despite these factors, UBank staff have been unhelpful:

  • The first representative refused to explain the rejection.
  • The second suggested checking her Equifax report, which we did and fixed.
  • No one has provided specific information on what else we need to fix.

It feels like my mother is being treated unfairly, possibly due to age discrimination. She's being handled as if she were a potential money launderer, which is far from the truth.

What are our options to address this situation? How can we get UBank to reconsider or at least provide a clear explanation for the rejection?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

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Comments

          • try2bhelpful on 27/07/2024 - 21:21
            +7

            @Lurker: I’m 60 years old and, believe me, it has, certainly, been much worse in the past. At least they are investigating things nowadays. 40 years ago domestic violence was just something that was a part of a marriage. Children were being molested by priests and teachers and the police and politicians protected the perpetrators. Generally women in the workforce were treated appallingly. There is no golden age. I agree more should be done but don’t think we are going to the dogs now.

            • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 21:51
              -1

              @try2bhelpful: Australia has always been a country for the young.

              As far as you can tell, has ageism in Australia lessened or remained unchanged over the years?

              • try2bhelpful on 28/07/2024 - 00:12

                @Lurker: We certainly have never had a culture of venerating the old. Care of the elderly usually fell to whatever unlucky female was around or people were shoved in homes. People are living longer so dementia is becoming more and more an issue. I think we are more aware of the issues now. Providing solutions is the $64,000 dollar question.

              • Juice-Wa on 31/07/2024 - 08:04

                @Lurker: The elderly of this time are some of the most unhealthy, fat and disabled old people. You're literally the greatest burden on the economy that has been seen from the elderly.

            • try2bhelpful on 28/07/2024 - 18:49

              @try2bhelpful: So does my negger support DV perpetrators or child molesters?

      • dongltron on 28/07/2024 - 14:20
        +1

        Ugh, you're one of those people.

  • brad1-8tsi on 27/07/2024 - 14:08
    +9

    I'm 63, earn twice as much retired as I did as a mid-level engineer, have a perfect credit history and an 860 credit rating and can no longer get a credit card because dividend income and tax-free superannuation income isn't recognised as income.

    I'd suggest you move on to the next bank and not give them your patronage in the future.

    Agree with the above points about Elder Abuse & coercive control. I have to leave the room when my partner is dealing with financial matters. The moment they hear another voice they shut down the conversation and go into panic mode. She's almost had her accounts locked twice because I was in the room talking to the dogs.
    It was really hard with the MIL and trying to get her financials in order after she left her (abusive) husband. She didn't have a clue because the ex-husband controlled all the finances but we weren't allowed to offer advice and guidance.

    • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 14:10

      Thanks for the info.

    • ihbh on 29/07/2024 - 12:58

      Interesting. I haven't had a conventional income since my kids came. Luckily I have a few good credit cards (no cost/some handy benefits) from before. The last time I applied for one during this non-conventional period, I was asked to submit two years tax returns. I was rejected too, but assumed my income wasn't high enough (split and hadn't realised any capital gains those years).

      I will try some different configurations in the next few years and will report back if it works.

      • brad1-8tsi on 29/07/2024 - 15:47

        The amount of information I had to give was quite concerning. If it's ever compromised I'm stuffed.

  • Nillionaire on 27/07/2024 - 17:54
    +5

    She's being handled as if she were a potential money launderer, which is far from the truth.

    Nah, it's more likely she's being handled as a potential elder financial abuse victim.

    • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 19:30

      While the bank's intention to protect against elder financial abuse is commendable, it does not justify the lack of reasonable accommodation for an avenue to appeal.

      If the bank has concerns, it should offer alternatives or additional verification methods rather than outright rejection.

      • ThadtheChad on 29/07/2024 - 19:43
        +1

        If the bank has concerns, it should offer alternatives or additional verification methods rather than outright rejection.

        I think you're missing a fundamental point here, there is no obligation to serve you/your mom as a customer. If the bank feels that there is little value in chasing your patronage as a customer, then it is what it is.

        Furthermore, as for reasons behind the rejection, there can be a myriad of red-flags that may have been tripped, including circumstances around elder abuse, they absolutely do not have to tell you why your application is rejected - and in some cases there are laws in place to prevent the banks from revealing this.

        For instance it could be that someone in the assessment's team found the application tripped too many red flags (these are markers that are highly confidential) and thus raised a "Suspicious Matter Report". This would trigger a range of processes that would likely blacklist you from the bank and also potentially inform the authorities of the "indicators/circumstances". Not saying this happened, but its one of the many reasons why banks do not divulge reasons behind rejection.

        • paulojr on 30/07/2024 - 19:11

          interesting argument,but what if the SMR is triggered due to discrimination because they were a little annoying on the phone. I guess move onto another bank. On reflection.. ubank's probably not a great bank to deal with.

  • mitty on 27/07/2024 - 18:04
    +2

    She's 90. She doesn't have that long. Don't waste time, there are plenty other banks.

  • JimmyF on 27/07/2024 - 19:14
    +1

    Age Discrimination

    LOL It wasn't.

    She's being handled as if she were a potential money launderer, which is far from the truth.

    Interesting angle you feel considering they haven't said anything.

    Many other banks, just open elsewhere.

    • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 20:12
      -8

      LOL It wasn't.

      So if other banks (including Rabobank and Westpac and Comm) will open an account for a 90 year old, either online or offline, but not UBank, what does that say about UBank?'

      What is the common denominator here?

      Age discrimination by UBank?

      Or not?

      What am I missing?

      Please illuminate any wrong assumption you think I may be making.

      Thanks.

      • JimmyF on 27/07/2024 - 20:28
        +2

        what does that say about UBank?'

        It says nothing that it was based on Age Discrimination. Just she fails the company's internal checks for opening an account.

        Banks will never tell you WHY you failed, just that you failed. All part of money laundering guidelines.

        What am I missing?

        Who knows, banks don't have to accept you as a customer. She has failed the checks/balances they have for whatever reason and they have elected to not have her as a customer.

        You are assuming it is age but step back, why would a bank refuse a customer based on age for a savings account?

        The real question here, is why are you so bent out of shape over not being able to get a ubank account? Lots of high interest savings accounts around.

        • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 20:52
          -7

          I appreciate your input, but I think you're missing some crucial aspects of this situation.

          1. Transparency and fairness: UBank has refused to provide an avenue to appeal their decision or reveal their reasoning. This lack of transparency is concerning, especially when dealing with a vulnerable demographic like the elderly.

          2. Pattern recognition: While you suggest this isn't age discrimination, the fact that other banks (Rabobank, Westpac, CommBank) are willing to open accounts for 90-year-olds, both online and offline, while UBank isn't, creates a pattern that's hard to ignore. Occam's Razor suggests that the simplest explanation - age discrimination - might be the most likely.

          3. Systemic issues: You ask why a bank would refuse a customer based on age for a savings account. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. There are numerous examples of retired individuals facing difficulties in accessing financial services, despite having substantial wealth and non-payroll income.

          4. Bigger picture: My concern goes beyond just getting a UBank account. It's about the dismissive attitude some people have towards potential age discrimination in banking and financial services.

          The issue here isn't just about one account or one bank - it's about ensuring fair treatment and equal access to financial services for all individuals, regardless of age. If we don't question these practices, we risk perpetuating systemic discrimination.

          • SBOB on 27/07/2024 - 21:05
            +7

            @Lurker: Your entire premise of pattern recognition and systematic issues is based on your sample size of one….ONE.

            Now it's been a while since I did statistics or advanced maths at uni, but I'm not sure using a data set pool of one value is a valid range for such detailed analysis, let alone even basic maths like addition or subtraction.

              • askbargain on 27/07/2024 - 22:19
                +16

                @Lurker: that bad you resort to chatgpt?

                  • CrowReally on 28/07/2024 - 17:18
                    +6

                    @Lurker:

                    With ChatGPT, it's very much a case of "garbage in, garbage out."

                    Yes, you've been very productive in this thread already.

                    This not an invitation for you to reply to me with another thousand words repeating "YEAH BUT WHAT IF IT'S ELDER ABUSE DISCRIMINATION HUH" over and over again.

                • kiitos on 28/07/2024 - 09:07

                  @askbargain: Sprung!

            • LFO on 28/07/2024 - 10:38
              +3

              @SBOB: Forget statistics, look at my case.

              Yes someone used that once …

          • JimmyF on 28/07/2024 - 10:44
            +2

            @Lurker:

            Transparency and fairness: UBank has refused to provide an avenue to appeal their decision or reveal their reasoning. This lack of transparency is concerning, especially when dealing with a vulnerable demographic like the elderly.

            You're making it about age not them. You assume its age as they won't tell you, but as I said above, ALL banks won't tell you why you failed. If they do, you will just adjust your application. Its part of the money laundering guidelines banks around the world follow. For whatever reason, she has failed.

            If you think its age, then lodge a complaint https://humanrights.gov.au/complaints

            are willing to open accounts for 90-year-olds, both online and offline, while UBank isn't, creates a pattern that's hard to ignore.

            Willing to open an account, or have opened an account for her? There is a difference. She might fail their checks as well when you go to apply

            Occam's Razor suggests that the simplest explanation - age discrimination - might be the most likely.

            I see nothing in UBanks guidelines to say being too old and they won't open an account, this is just hearsay advice that meets your view, so you accept it.

            As far as I can see, Ubank is 'willing' to open an account for a 90yo.

            There are numerous examples of retired individuals facing difficulties in accessing financial services, despite having substantial wealth and non-payroll income.

            Again, the bank doesn't have to accept you by default. You are APPLYING for their services. If they feel you are a risk, then yes they can say no.

            For loans etc, yes they refuse based on age and that is valid. Taking out a 30 year loan that you'll still be paying off pasted retirement age and the bank will ask questions on how you plan to pay the loan out.

            It's about the dismissive attitude some people have towards potential age discrimination in banking and financial services.

            The dismissive attitude you think you are seeing, is all thanks to the money laundering that has happened.

            Go do some reading of the guidelines or at least ask chatgpt about it.

      • Ughhh on 29/07/2024 - 09:30

        Each bank has different risk apatite. Just like how you probably wouldnt put $20k into a penny stock, but Elon could with no sweat.

  • Lunarboogie on 27/07/2024 - 22:21

    It's not mum, it's Ubank. My misses is Malaysian Chinese and so in all her official documents it shows her family name first, followed by her given names (ala Xi Jin Ping with Xi being the surname). You'd think in multicultural modern Australia, companies like Ubank would be wise to Chinese (and most East Asian for that matter) naming conventions but no. Instead their systems recognise Ping as the surname which doesn’t tally with her ID docs and so no can do.

    It's an IT issue not a racist conspiracy so she banks with ING. I suggest you do the same.

    • Lurker on 27/07/2024 - 22:29
      -6

      Thanks.

      So now it discriminates against ethnic groups with last name in a different position to Australian convention.

      • JimmyF on 28/07/2024 - 10:47
        +4

        So expand your complaint, Ubank is also racist as well as doing age discrimination!

        • Baysew on 28/07/2024 - 12:31
          +3

          Go for the trifecta - sexist as well.

  • boomramada on 27/07/2024 - 22:54
    +6

    After reading all of this, now I want a ubank account.

    • blitz on 28/07/2024 - 00:51
      +5

      Me too, I just set one up and I tell you it is magnificent.

  • ColonialBoy on 28/07/2024 - 01:46
    +4

    If there is a concern about money laundering, they are prohibited by legislation to tell you anything. ie for some issues they legally can't give reasons.

  • Miss B on 28/07/2024 - 05:43
    +8

    You: There were multiple issues with verifying her identity + they wouldn't let her open an account = discrimination against the elderly

    Reality: There were multiple issues with verifying her identity = they wouldn't let her open an account

  • Maxi Pad on 28/07/2024 - 07:09
    +1

    My view would be that they have made a financial decision.

    The administrative burden of winding up those accounts for the organization when 'the time comes' would far exceed any money they would make, given the short expected duration of the customers time with the bank.

  • Ciderfizz44 on 28/07/2024 - 07:10

    Macquarie's better, less hurdles

  • umoddbro on 28/07/2024 - 07:45
    +2

    Maybe ubank is tired of all the news articles of scam victims claiming their life savings just 'disappeared' out of their ubank accounts….

  • Chewy2221 on 28/07/2024 - 08:27

    The bank would see a few red flags that you have mentioned & likely reject the application. You could complain to the Australian Financial complaints authority (AFCA) if you think it is really age discrimination - but most people would simply open an account elsewhere - good luck

    • Baysew on 28/07/2024 - 13:41
      +3

      AFCA can help resolve complaints about a financial firm’s decision to close your banking facility.

      This page has some of the most common questions about the closure of banking facilities. It does not apply to complaints about:

      insurance policies or investment products
      a refusal by a financial firm to open a new account
      a financial firm’s decision to stop providing a banking facility to all customers.

  • 2025 on 28/07/2024 - 09:17
    +3

    Despicable. You are leveraging someone’s advanced age for answers!!?! When the application is rejected you start assuming it’s because she’s 90! They already found some issues with the Equifax and Centrelink, and you keep drumming the age drum? WTF. You’re worse than the bank.

  • antheak on 28/07/2024 - 09:49
    -2

    Age discrimination is a "thing" in banking… trying to set up a new credit card when retired is a depressing experience. Many younger people don't believe older people experience things like job and financial discrimination, but it's quite rife and has been for a long time.

    If Beyond Bank is in your state, I highly recommend them. They started out as a Canberra-based credit union and have grown steadily. it's really refreshing to deal with them after experiencing other banks. They've saved my bacon many times.

    • JimmyF on 28/07/2024 - 10:49
      +3

      That isn't Age discrimination, its the fact they don't have the income anymore to service the line of credit. A retired person on a pension isn't really flush with cash to pay down $10k in credit card debt.

      The same thing happens to people taking out 30 year house loans in their late 40s get asked how they will pay the loan when they retire.

      • antheak on 30/07/2024 - 10:07
        +1

        Nope. I'm on government superannuation, my indexed pension pays me similar to what I was earning when in the workforce. and it's guaranteed for life (plus I have my own private super). But the big main banks regard all retirees as "too risky". Why, I have no idea. A wage earner can lose their job tomorrow. Even when I die, my estate will get a big hunk of this pension as a lump sum.

        I can get a credit card from a smaller entity like Latitude or Woolies et al, but say I want to go on churning Qantas cards with entities giving out points, that's a big fat nope. Didn't realise until after I'd retired. I pay off the balance every month so probably not a desirable customer anyway. Way too solvent. But that's not why they refuse.

    • Ughhh on 28/07/2024 - 11:15
      +3

      Would you lend a 90yo $20k?

      • ThithLord on 29/07/2024 - 08:59

        Absolutely.

        Oh, you mean in AUD? I thought you meant Zimbabwean Dollars

      • paulojr on 30/07/2024 - 19:37

        two words "subprime market"

        as long as I get my bonus I'll lend to anyone!!

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subprime_mortgage_crisis

        • Ughhh on 30/07/2024 - 19:52

          Where are you planning on getting the bonus from if you're the lender/ The Bank?

    • ThadtheChad on 29/07/2024 - 19:50

      trying to set up a new credit card when retired is a depressing experience

      It also applies when you are a new entrant to the work force - depends entirely on the checks implemented. For retirees the situation gets complicated as the underlying intent is to ensure they are able to service a line of credit (and typical retirees dont).

      A counterpoint, a mate's dad in his 70s and retired, still earns a passive income of ~200k a year from investments, so there are no dramas with getting a credit card (in fact, he has the Ultimate Awards card with a pretty hefty limit.

      • antheak on 30/07/2024 - 10:09

        Who does he have that through? I'd like to try them. I'm after QF points cards but rewards are often transmutable to QF points. The main banks who do tie-ins with Qantas really don't like retirees, even ones on government employment pensions.

        • ThadtheChad on 30/07/2024 - 15:25

          There are fees associated with it, but he got it bundled as part of the wealth package? CBA Ultimate rewards card.

  • Zuelly on 28/07/2024 - 10:24
    +2

    Just coming back to this thread every couple of hours to see some of the trash dribble cares to share in the comments… quiet assuming so far…

    • ThithLord on 29/07/2024 - 08:59

      ChatGPT is getting a workout

  • LFO on 28/07/2024 - 10:35
    +1

    Perhaps try her luck with ING.
    They are probably equally "anal" regarding proving ID and so on but for sure are not discriminatory with age.

    But it will be equally hard for any bank unable to directly contact the customer/potential customer when several "inconsistencies" were found.

  • johninmelb on 28/07/2024 - 11:33
    +3

    Ubank is owned by NAB, so you might find your answer there.

    If you want to continue the fight, take it up with Andrew Irvine. I've had several emails from him telling me how wonderful his bank is. I'd like to reply, but I don't. Any emails I might have send to bank CEO's could be life threatening given that most of them are not young men, and only used to yes men kowtowing to them, so the shock could well be injurious to their health.

    For the record, I am with ING as my main bank, and have never had a fight with them. I've had several with NAB, Westpac and Commbank - all the way up to CEO level. I am only with NAB now because they took over my Citibank Plus account and my Qantas Premier Platinum Credit Card. I was initially rejected for the credit card due, I believe to age and being retired. However I fought them to the bitter end and got the card. I suspect they would now like to upsell me to a higher spending limit, but of course they are not allowed to offer that to customers anymore.

    And before anyone says it, yes I am aware of the law of dimimishing returns, and also the axiom of picking your battles. But I have all the time in the world, and I do not like being shafted. Simple as that. YMMV as ozbargainers are fond of saying.

    • Yttrium on 31/07/2024 - 09:41

      what steps did you take to persuade them to overturn their denial of a credit card ?

      • johninmelb on 06/08/2024 - 19:06

        I cannot identify any one thing that got me over the line. I basically just kept on reiterating that I met the income threshold, that I had the highest credit rating (which we pretty much know is just bullshit anyway), that I had a flawless repayment record on the two cards I had, that this card was just a replacement for one which had been discontinued (Woolworths card), and I was doing a balance transfer from the discontinued card. I also only asked for the minimum credit limit which, along with my Amex card was well within my capacity to pay without any problems or hardship.

        It might also be the fact that I was persistant and that I was not going to go away until I got a fair hearing. Unlikely but possible that they just decided it was easier to give me the card to get rid of me. Squeaky wheels get the oil so to speak.

        I also pay both my cards in full every month without fail, so that may have been a black mark against me. They cannot earn interest on outstanding balances from me. I also paid the balance transfer in full immediately so they could not charge me interest on that.

        • JediJan on 09/08/2024 - 15:27

          I also payout credit card every month so no interest. Done so for decades. Have an incredibly high credit limit (due to bank constantly raising it years ago. Recently I have found the bank has added a $3 fee each month, so mt decades of a fee free account with no interest is no more.

  • JediJan on 28/07/2024 - 11:50
    +5

    My mother is in her 90s with substantial hearing loss. I may make suggestions (often dismissed) and she makes her own decisions, although I usually take her to various medical and other appointments, shopping etc. I do what I can to enable her to live an independent life as is possible, and help with her communications etc. and in some instances have been given her approval to act on her behalf. She has expressed no interest or concerns about changing any banking arrangements. Her bank is aware I act on her behalf with calls and card expenses at times, and my three brothers, and they do try to get her approval on the phone at times. Fortunately she now refuses calls from unknown callers, and doesn't trust emails. If she wishes to purchase anything she sees online I assist her with that.

    For a senior person in their 90s I would be concerned if they are approaching a bank, with or without a relative, wishing to open a new account. This all sounds like a huge red flag to me. You have not provided a reason your mother would wish to do this.

    I would think that any bank is not compelled to accept new customers, so is not necessarily an ageist action but one of valid concerns. Take it to the Commissioner if you think you have valid concerns she is being treated unfairly.

    • JimmyF on 28/07/2024 - 12:44
      +5

      This all sounds like a huge red flag to me. You have not provided a reason your mother would wish to do this.

      All this, plus the OP being so bent out of shape over ubank not opening her an account, makes me wonder what the real reason behind this is.

      Most would just laugh it off and open an account elsewhere, but the OP is so fixed on having a ubank account, that it does raise some red flags.

  • ValueBob on 28/07/2024 - 12:39
    +3

    Lurker,
    Consider yourself lucky that you're not a Ubank customer.
    Their IT systems and processes are the worst; and they have no branches when problem arises.

    Ubank app notifications are unreliable; and they don't notify by SMS or Email either.
    If someone manage to login to your Ubank account and started the process to empty your accounts, you won't know about it.
    For me, getting reliable notiications of banking activity is 'Basics 101' and Ubank fails miserably.

    ING is better and quite unique for an online bank. At least, ING have a physical store in Sydney CBD (one is better than nothing).
    Notifications are reliable, consistent, regular (e.g. don't have to login to find out if money is still there).

    Also, ING allows you to "link only" to an external account (to your primary bank) and that becomes the ONLY withdraw path. In essense, one can setup a "ring-fence separation" between savings accounts (e.g. Maximiser, etc) and transaction account (e.g. Everyday Orange).

    • paloverde88 on 28/07/2024 - 13:01
      +1

      I prefer Macquarie Bank

      They've also taken over the Gas infrastructure of the entire of UK
      https://www.afr.com/world/europe/macquarie-takes-full-owners….

      truth is no one can shift away to non fossil entirely. Too many manufacturing and commercial entities require the volume gas can provide.

      None of the Big 4 have this capability, they're just profiting from this huge debt books on domestic house lending until the bubble burst

      • Ademos on 30/07/2024 - 09:13

        I prefer Macquarie Bank

        Half a bank. They haven't offered new credit card accounts for years, unless linked to a home loan.

  • 2esc on 28/07/2024 - 12:47

    Take your business elsewhere simple solution. There can be multiple reasons why it was declined.

  • paloverde88 on 28/07/2024 - 12:52

    Human Rights Commission can investigate
    write to them whether the discimination is age, race or whatever reason.
    https://humanrights.gov.au/

    complaints:——> https://humanrights.gov.au/complaints#main-content

    It's free and confidential.
    Complaints under the Age Discrimination Act (ADA)

    https://imgur.com/a/bydA15G

    Also
    Australian Financial Coimplaints Authority

    https://www.afca.org.au/

  • Baysew on 28/07/2024 - 13:45
    +2

    Also
    Australian Financial Coimplaints Authority

    Nope, as previously noted in comments:

    AFCA can help resolve complaints about a financial firm’s decision to close your banking facility.

    This page has some of the most common questions about the closure of banking facilities. It does not apply to complaints about:

    insurance policies or investment products
    a refusal by a financial firm to open a new account
    a financial firm’s decision to stop providing a banking facility to all customers.

  • UFO on 28/07/2024 - 17:26
    +5

    If I was an online bank, I wouldn't open an account under the name of a 90yo as well!

    Identity theft, money laundering, concerns as to validity of the applicant (relative or anyone else for that matter has gained access to identity documents)… and the list goes on and on.

    If this applicant is genuine, they should attend a local branch of another banking institution and open an account in person.

    I don't think ANY lender would accept a passport from a 90yo online and open a bank account in that name.
    It's not age discrimination, it's good business/lending practices.

    A bank, like any business, doesn't have to do business with anyone. You can't force a business to do business with you.
    They don't have to tell you why, but if they have serious concerns then they are allowed to say no thank you. Opening an account is an "application".
    You apply for an account. If the bank wishes to do so, they can grant or not your request…. they are certainly not obligated to do so.
    But like I said, if I was a bank I wouldn't grant it either!

    Who's to say a family member isn't going to funnel all the 90 year old's assets into this account… and isn't "stealing" because the account is under the owners name (but conveniently controls all access to it)?

    Way too many red flags with this situation and post in general…. the whole thing screams NO WAY.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 28/07/2024 - 17:50
    +2

    OP probably got on the phone and acted like an ass to a uBank rep like they're doing on here. Probably got their rellie blacklisted themselves.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Get on with your life.

  • lazarski on 28/07/2024 - 22:58
    +2

    and even if it is rejection based on age discrimination?

    Just pick a different bank

    • antheak on 30/07/2024 - 10:16
      +1

      Yep. They're all different. In the 90s, I was knocked back for a very small home loan by the "bigs" plus some smaller ones. Went to my own little credit union as a last resort, but the manager was a female, first I'd encountered. She said yes, of course, your income qualifies you for this amount, plus you're in secure employment. Would you like to borrow more?

      Chalk and cheese. (They're called Beyond Bank now, same attitude. Recommend them 100%).

  • chongecse on 29/07/2024 - 00:10
    +3

    Macquarie Bank closed my account without a clear reason. I was thinking of arguing with them. After I calm down, life is too short to waste with them. Move on and there are plenty of other banks.

  • YodaBaby on 29/07/2024 - 08:55
    +2

    Consider this their loss. Move on to others banks and save yourself and your mother the trouble.

  • Hangryuman on 29/07/2024 - 11:48
    +1

    try another bank - Macquarie was quick and easy to open online - maybe try that - https://www.macquarie.com.au/everyday-banking/transaction-ac…

  • buckster on 29/07/2024 - 13:47
    +1

    Maybe the OP emailed them using ChatGPT like they tried to argue here and the bank correctly identified them as a scammer…

  • ttt888 on 29/07/2024 - 15:30
    +2

    90 years old. The thought must be the grand kids or children trying to the con the grand parents into opening online savings acct.

  • browser on 29/07/2024 - 15:44

    Just a wild guess, being an online only digital bank, maybe they see it as a liability to provide technical support to older populations? They could spend hours on end on the phone and not get anything resolved, then there will be complaints and escalations, then the ombudsman and TV shows will get involved. Things may turn into endless problems and bad reps for the bank, so why would they want to take the chance?

  • JumpingUnicorns on 29/07/2024 - 16:19
    +2

    Damn, dude got his answer in the first comment but just kept taking L's 😭😭

  • Daabido on 29/07/2024 - 20:25

    Hey Mr Prime Minister! Andy!

    • serpserpserp on 29/07/2024 - 22:04

      What's the good word mates?

  • serpserpserp on 29/07/2024 - 22:02

    So OP. After you fixed the Equifax problem (and I assumed you checked by downloading a new report with everything showing it was in order) did you do a fresh application? Was that second fresh application rejected?

  • wrcboi on 30/07/2024 - 17:48

    word on the street scammers/fraudsters love them.

    it is very easy to open an account.

    They are attracting people predominantly from 18 to 35yo

  • drfuzzy on 30/07/2024 - 20:39
    -1

    If a bank needed a persona of an elder abuse perpetrator they need look no further than this thread and the OP.

  • Gratt on 30/07/2024 - 20:43
    +2

    My wife had a ubank account. I wouldn't be the least surprised that they are capable of age discrimination. My wife's account was in her maiden name. She had no problem opening it. However, when it came time to take money out she had huge problems. They were extremely unhappy that she was not banking under her married name, even though her driver's licence, Medicare card and tax file number were all in that maiden name.

    She contacted the week before her term deposit was due to change the instructions to prevent it rolling over. They insisted that she reestablish her I'd taking it into their agent. By the time they processed the identification the term deposit rolled over and they refused to release the funds.

    Your mother got lucky. I don't know if they deliberately indulge themselves in discriminatory practices or they just resent online customers who have the temerity to contact them when their online services fail. My advice is stay away. We thought they were a great bank until we tried to change the term deposit maturity instructions and the online process failed.

    We will never bank with them or their owner bank NAB again.

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