I believe that Edmund Blackadder said it best:
The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the devil's own satanic herd.

Yes, this is my ”dealing with the bank” frustration. My husband has had an account with the Swedish bank, SEB, for I don't know how long, but maybe 30 years or more. When I arrived in Sweden, I started my own separate account with them as well. That was almost three years ago. The problem I am having is that I really need a debit card, just like I've had in Australia for about 20 years. I currently have an account with them that has money in it, and there are regular deposits each month. So, of course I can have a debit card. Can’t I?

Nooooooo, if I want a debit card - NOT a credit card, but a lousy debit card letting me access MY own money that is THERE IN THE ACCOUNT and the ability to actually use it to make purchases without having to queue up at the ATM before going shopping, then I HAVE to be employed with a Swedish company AND have a minimum income per year.

What is the reasoning behind this? The money is THERE, damn it, and I'm not asking for any extra! A debit card debits your account. That’s all. If the money's not there, it doesn't let you use it for purchases or withdrawals.

I try and patiently explain this to the customer service department at SEB. The only way I can buy with a card at a Swedish shop is to have a VISA account.
”But I don’t want a credit card”, I protest.
”Oh, no, you can’t use it for credit” they tell me with that famous ”pursed lips” look. ”Only for debiting from your bank account.”

So then why a VISA card, if it’s not a credit card? Well that’s just how it is. There is no way to link that debit ability I want to my ATM card.

Okay, I give up. I'll just accept that I need two different cards. Sheesh! How do I get such a card. Well, just bring proof of having a regular income with an employer here in Sweden. I see...

So, I am unable to access my own money except via an ATM. "But I have money in the account", I want to scream, but decide not to as they are already glancing at one another with that ”damn foreigner” look. *sigh*

Perhaps they are taking a leaf out of Melchett's book:

If nothing else works, a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through.

And it started snowing today!



To close, I leave you with my Zen thought for the day:

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you're doing, someone else does.

Till next time!