Haifax have stopped the Final Payment date for Standing Orders!

Caroline2CV

Halifax have over the weekend changed their computer systems. I am a Personal Customer who goes into a branch office. Online or telephone banking are not for me.

Today, I asked a member of staff to set up a Standing Order external payment with a Final Payment Date. I was horrified to find out that NO LONGER does the Halifax computer system have the option of putting in a Final Payment Date. This change is not at all customer friendly.

I was told the removal of the Final Payment date option applies to Standing Order external payments as well as Internal Payments.

When I asked for a named individual to email about this issue I was told that the Branch Manager advised I go direct to the Chief Executive!

Should I become ill or forget to go in after the 'last payment' to cancel the payments myself I would have to request repayment from the firm/individual that extra payments went to as I believe the Banking Code of Practice does not cover Standing Orders.

opinions4u

Their online system still offers me the choice for a final payment date on an external standing order.

They've never offered it on internal payments.

Have you tried doing it yourself online or via telephone banking?

Sounds like the branch got it wrong to me.

Caroline2CV

Being a 'silver surfer' with little IT skills I truly prefer not to do online banking. With a speech problem using the telephone is not an option. It is easier for people to understand me when I am facing them.

Hence I use the branch - the staff have always helped me.

I have a print out of the screen details that the branch staff keyed in and there is no mistake. No longer is there an area for a final payment date to be entered on the computers that the branch staff use

Fedz

Maybe try another teller on a different date and or speak to the branch manager to clarify.

If it is correct, you could maybe sign-up for online banking and then get a friend and or relative to setup the final payment date on SO's after you've signed in while you're present

Caroline2CV

Fedz

Branch Manager, Deputy Manager & Training Officer confirmed that the Branch computers no longer had the Final Payment Date option anymore.

Kind suggestion re getting help from another but alas not possible.

Joe_Bloggs

@Caroline2CV
You are understood perfectly on this site.
Consider looking into why you feel on-line banking is not for you. Once you have tried on-line banking you may feel like there is no going back. You can still visit the branch to check on matters.
J_B.

Fedz

Given your personal circumstances and your requirement for final payment facility, I would make an appointment with your local branch manager and have a chat at possible options

It's increasingly looking like it will have to be online and or phone access to be able to do what you want and maybe the branch manager could speak on your behalf over the phone and or setup online banking for you and go down that road

It's nice to learn the personal touch still exists in bank branches :cool:

Keep us informed of how you go

Caroline2CV

Fedz & Joe Blogs

Thanks for your support and understanding.

I aim to set up an appt to talk face to face soon with a great member of staff (Tony) I have seen each Dec re applying for an overdraft. The wee overdraft is there in case of an emergency - not a necessity. Tony is a great source of knowledge and advice.

I am OK with final payment dates for any Standing Orders that were set up before close of business at the branch week commencing Mon 24/11/08. Their computer system clearly shows they they still exist.

My workaround (re any New SO's I set up since 1/12/08 at the branch office) will be to go into the branch and cancel it at the counter unless Tony has an update/other ideas (bar online) for me.

jennifernil

I think you underestimate yourself!

If you can come and post on here you can operate Halifax on-line banking.

I too am a "silver surfer" and virtually computer illiterate. All I can do is surf, post on forums, write a letter (although not format it), and do on-line banking.

If I can do it ANYONE can do it!

Seriously though, the Halifax website is very easy to use, one of the easiest ones I have tried. You could register for the on-line banking but not really use it much if you prefer, just use it when essential. It is very handy to have if you are ever unable to get out due to illness or the weather.

Please do give it a try, once you have you will wonder why you waited so long.

opinions4u

Caroline2CV wrote: »

Fedz

Branch Manager, Deputy Manager & Training Officer confirmed that the Branch computers no longer had the Final Payment Date option anymore.

Kind suggestion re getting help from another but alas not possible.

Having little better to do this lunch time, I asked the receptionist in my local branch to add a final date to a standing order I have.

She arranged it there and then, printing off a nice little form for me to sign too!

The option clearly existed in their systems, unless the payment is to another Halifax account.

I would suggest that the management team in your local branch are better at managing than doing. That's always best left to the lower paid staff who invariably have a higher level of operational competence!

itsnothing

Regards to final payment date, you can set how many payments you wish to make for a standing order. So for example you have a standing order that you need to pay for 5 months start tomorrow! So you just say you want to make 5 monthly payments and then for it to end, in effect this acts as your last payment date as well because you will know how many to make....

I to back opinions4u, as I can guarantee you that they are still able to do it!!