National Australia Bank’s shameful credit card blunder

National Australia Bank has issued a credit card to a Melbourne woman who has been dead for 10 years. But the bank added insult to injury in a shocking way.

Bob Hart has received a credit card issued to his wife Iris, who died 10 years ago. Picture: David Caird

A Melbourne woman who has been dead for a decade has been issued a credit card by National Australia Bank.

Melbourne widower, Bob Hart, says he was shocked to receive the new card in the mail at the end of June addressed to his wife Iris.

“It’s interesting because she has been dead for 10 years,” Mr Hart said.

“But to add insult to injury it’s made out to her name with deceased written after it.”

Bob Hart with the credit card issued to his wife Iris, who died 10 years ago. Picture: David Caird

The accompanying documents also acknowledged Mrs Hart was no longer alive, but detailed the Low Fee Platinum card could be used to withdraw up to $2000 in cash per day.

The upsetting debacle comes after the banking royal commission found major financial institutions, including NAB, had been charging dead people for services never provided for years.

It was part of a wide array of fee-for-no-service issues, which drew harsh criticism from Commissioner Kenneth Hayne, and a warning that banks could be exposed to criminal and civil proceedings.

Mr Hart, who has been with NAB for 60 years, said receiving the card had been disheartening.

A family photo of Bob Hart and his late wife, Iris.

“At a time when NAB is already charging dead people, it appears they are trying to get some new business,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I assume I am one of thousands. It’s a fantastic indication that the banks have learnt nothing.”

NAB General Manager Simone Van Veen said an internal investigation had been launched.

“It is with our utmost regret that this incident occurred and I have personally spoken to Mr Hart today to sincerely apologise,” Ms Van Veen said.

“While these events are rare and unusual, we are currently investigating how this occurred to ensure this does not happen again.

MORE: WERRIBEE SUPER CITY CANNED

TRAIN PAIN AHEAD FOR FOOTY FANS

“We understand the stress this has caused Mr Hart and thank him for bringing this to our attention and again offer our most sincere apologies.”

It is not yet clear how many other widows or widowers will receive the same shock, with historical accounts held in joint names understood to be at the centre of the issue.

[e-mail]