Dark Patterns: Buying a Bahncard at Deutsche Bahn
9 hours ago
- #Subscription Traps
- #Deutsche Bahn
- #Dark Patterns
- Deutsche Bahn uses dark patterns in selling BahnCard subscriptions, making it unclear that customers are signing up for a recurring payment.
- The subscription details, including automatic renewal and cancellation policies, are not prominently displayed during the purchase process.
- Customers are only informed about the renewal three weeks before it happens, which is after the cancellation deadline of four weeks prior.
- The BahnCard subscription is not clearly listed in the customer's account, making it difficult to manage or cancel.
- Deutsche Bahn's customer support is unhelpful and sticks to the company's policies, refusing to cancel subscriptions even when customers claim they were unaware of the terms.
- Legal attempts to challenge Deutsche Bahn's subscription practices have been unsuccessful, as BahnCards are considered discount cards rather than subscriptions to a service.
- Deutsche Bahn's poor reputation for service and delays is compounded by these deceptive sales tactics, which may drive customers away from using trains.
- The author expresses frustration with the situation, which has caused them significant stress and led them to consider alternative transportation methods.