Some borrowers in Azerbaijan say they must deposit a full manat at payment terminals to clear credit balances as small as 10 qepiks because card payments fail and the machines do not accept coins.
The problem has affected customers of some non-bank credit organizations, according to an ATV report. Borrowers said mobile-app payments are not always available, forcing them to use cash terminals and round their payments upward.
One customer said he tried to pay from his bank card through the lender’s service but could not complete the transaction.
“I want to log into my account and pay with my card, but I cannot make the payment. I have to go to a terminal and pay 117 manats instead of 116,” he said.
Customers said the excess amount is not always shown as reducing the remaining debt, leaving them unsure how the overpayment is recorded.
Small Balances Can Grow
Another borrower said she believed her loan had been fully repaid but later received a notice showing an outstanding balance.
“The loan had been paid in full; there were no payments left. Then a debt notice arrives. The qepiks accumulate, and eventually it becomes 10, 15 or 20 manats,” she said.
Journalists sought an explanation from Azpul LLC, which was named in the complaints. The company said customers who pay more than they owe may contact support and file a request. The excess can then be refunded or, at the borrower’s request, applied toward the loan balance.
Azpul attributed problems with mobile-app payments to technical work.