In September, Axis Bank grabbed headlines after they announced that same-sex couples can now open joint accounts at their bank. This was keeping in mind how couples from the LGBTQ+ community face troubles in attaining financial services as same-sex marriage is not yet legal in our country.
However, a woman named Anisha Sharma recently took to Twitter to share her difficult experience after she and her partner went to Axis Bank to open a joint account.
In Sept 2021, Axis Bank introduced #ComeAsYouAre scheme – a #DilSeOpen charter of policies for LGBTQ+ customers & employees, where same sex partners could open a joint savings bank account. My partner and I went to the 7 B'lows Branch to do this. Here's what happened – (thread) pic.twitter.com/6Qw0mathwJ
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
Anisha revealed how the employees at Axis Bank thought they were “business partners” who wanted to open a current joint account. It took them a while to realise they were same-sex partners.
We informed them that we were partners. Immediately to this they said oh you want to open a current joint account, incorrectly assuming we were business partners. We clarified that we were same-sex partners, and told them about #DilSeOpen and #ComeAsYouAre.
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
The couple was told that opening a savings account wouldn’t be possible as they weren’t related by blood.
They told us this was not possible. We couldn’t open a savings account since to do so, we needed to have “blood relation” or be family members. Everyone got awkward, Bhakti showed them a news article about this policy, and I showed them the press release on their own website.
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
When shown the news about Axis Bank’s new policy, the employees were unsure and wanted proof of their marriage – showing how they were unaware of their company’s seemingly LGBTQ-friendly policy.
She asked us if we had any proof to say that we were same sex partners. Bhakti in turn asked her if she is asking us if we have a marriage document of some sort, the woman jumped to confirm, “yes, yes”.
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
She indirectly asked us if we had any proof that we were married. We then informed her that same sex marriage is not recognised in India.
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
The 2 men came back and again explained- only a current account would be possible if we wanted to say we were partners (“partners” = business partners, not life partners). Since the manager was busy,they offered to take down our number & get back to us after discussing this w/him
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
They were finally told that they couldn’t open a joint account.
The two men disappeared. The manager came and told us – savings account isn’t possible, there’s no proof of you being partners. Current account is possible. We showed him the Axis Bank website. He left to take a call and never came back
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
We weren’t willing to accept this thinking-on-their-feet explanation. It’s been over 7 weeks. @AxisBank chose to launch this service on the 3rd anniversary of decriminalization of Sec 377. We believe they knew what they were doing and ought to have processes set up by now.
— 🌈💪🏽Anisha Sharma💪🏽🌈 (@motherofbillis) October 31, 2021
People online slammed Axis Bank on Twitter for failing to implement their own policy.
Such a harrowing experience. I shudder to think of what it can do to one’s mental health while going through this kind of an experience. It’s bad enough that we are conditioned to not expect such services, but then to offer it on ads and then to put one through such a wringer!
— Arun M (@Quichotte7) October 31, 2021
How disappointing to see this disconnect once again between promise and performance, intent and impact 🙁
— Dr. Aarti Shyamsunder (@Aartideetoo) October 31, 2021
Some even shared their own experiences.
I went Axis Bank for joint account with my partner after this news and there employees were full blank. It was so awkward and then he said he will confirm and call me after I show him news articles @AxisBankSupport @AxisBank
— 𝕂𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕝🏳️🌈👨❤️👨 (@optimistclysure) October 31, 2021
I went to Axis Bank, Barasat branch with my partner to open a joint savings bank account. It was a very quick and convenient process. The branch manager wasn’t sure about the formalities on the first day. She called me back the next day and helped us through the entire process.
— Indranil Saha (@indrascope) November 1, 2021
This is just terrible, they can’t go about saying they’re pro #LGBTQ and roll out a scheme and then not follow through. I’m sick of corporates doing this. Sorry you two had to go through this.
— Dp (@DeliriousPixie) October 31, 2021
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. When this was introduced I was also surprised and hopeful, but wasn’t yet convinced. This experience has once again highlighted how the queer community is used for little more than PR and rainbow-washing by corporates. Explain, @AxisBank.
— 💁🏽♀️ (@bheegibhaagisi) October 31, 2021
AD campaign is ready. PR guys definitely did a good job.Lekin Dil se implement nahi karna aaya. @AxisBank @AxisBankSupport what's the point? https://t.co/x7ab3IodMr
— Priyanka Sambhav (@priyankasambhav) November 1, 2021
Hey @AxisBank it's been a great experience banking with you so far. But news is disconcerting 👇 Please follow through on your policy of opening up banking to #Samesex couples. Create a safe space, show the same love to all customers. Thanks! https://t.co/G3nN3tNu07
— Merril Diniz (@MerrilD) November 1, 2021
Stop using marginalized communities' issue just to get the cherry from pie. I am highly ashamed and I'll be closing my and my family members' bank account from your banks. @AxisBankSupport @AxisBank https://t.co/69aCUHcuuX
— Rahoool Solanki – आत्मनिर्भर (@Rahooolsolankii) November 1, 2021
It is heartbreaking to see people from the LGBTQ+ community suffer similar incidents every day. What are your views on this incident? Tell us.