The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that after Kamran Malik's on-line application for a mortgage deferral was denied, he called his local branch in Toronto's east end. The Globe's Stephanie Marotta writes that a bank representative told him that on-line and phone applications are sent to an underwriter to decide. "They suggested that I go into the branch to speak with my adviser who could forward the application with her remarks," he said. Mr. Malik closed his restaurant in Whitby, Ont., early in March to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. He has an immunocompromised wife and daughter at home and was concerned about exposing himself to other people at the TD Canada Trust branch, but he also did not want to risk being denied a second time. For Mr. Malik, visiting the branch helped his case. With social distancing in place, the adviser reviewed his banking profile but did not ask him any additional questions. The application was submitted on his behalf and a few hours later, Mr. Malik was told he had been approved for a two-month deferral on interest and principal. Experts say that incurring the additional cost -- paying interest on the interest -- is worthwhile if the only other alternative is to default.