Is this false advertising by Abbey? - Resolved

firsttimestudent

Hello,

Quote from http://www.abbey.com/csgs/Satellite?appID=abbey.internet.Abbeycom&c=Page&canal=CABBEYCOM&cid=1210607822352&empr=Abbeycom&leng=en_GB&pagename=Abbeycom%2FPage%2FWC_ACOM_TemplateA1 : "As a switching customer, if you’re accepted for a bank account with an Advance Overdraft facility, we’ll automatically accept you for an Abbey Credit Card as well."

Recently went to branch, applied for their 6% Bank Account (with Switcher service), given a £300 Advance Overdraft. The customer rep (which is really brilliant - haven't seen one like her for a while in Abbey) then applied for a Santander Zero credit card (actually what I'm really wanting) for me. Got declined. Said don't worry, she told me again about the 'automatic' acceptance thing and called up the underwriters. Underwriters say they don't do that over the phone anymore, need to appeal manually. Appealed manually (I did not say much in the form, just stating I should be automatically accepted according to their advertisement), the customer rep left me a voicemail today telling me the underwriters have declined the application.

I am planning to go through the Complaints route, writing a letter to them while enclosing a printout from their website. Do you not think it's false advertising?

Will you think it's a good idea (to get the Santander Zero), or do you think I should just shut up and reapply in 6 months time (hopefully the Santander Zero Credit Card won't be removed by then...?)

Any opinions welcome! Thanks.

Bob_the_Saver

All I can say if after the last couple of weeks trying to get money IN and out of Abbey
I don't believe a single word the tell me. Closing the accounts and getting out of there as fast as possible.

dfh

I second that.Keep away from shambolic Shabbey ! It was probably a blessing in disguise that your application was declined.

scott_lithgows

If your fighting with them as a new customer,it doesnt bode well for the future.
I have no idea why people want the zero card,I wanted a new card for foreign purchases and went for the Post Office card,IMO much better.

lauriepops

Maybe it has to be a specific abbey card and doesn't apply to the zero?

No idea. Just a suggestion

_Andy_

Assuming there aren't any T&Cs that allow them a get out, I would definetely write a complaint.

firsttimestudent

Somehow Post Office CC doesn't seem to like me, keep on rejecting me! That's why I'm after Santander Zero.

I had a look at their website (regarding complaints) at http://www.abbey.com/csgs/Satellite?appID=abbey.internet.Abbeycom&c=Page&canal=CABBEYCOM&cid=1210607032841&empr=Abbeycom&leng=en_GB&pagename=Abbeycom%2FPage%2FWC_ACOM_TemplateA2. Should I write to

9 Nelson Street, Bradford, BD1 5AD

OR

Complaints Department
Abbey
PO BOX 5129
Milton Keynes
MK9 2YN

?

Thanks so much for your quick replies! (I think I'll stick with them, as the 6% at least is still worthwhile)

gnaril

quote" a switching customer, if you’re accepted for a bank account with an Advance Overdraft facility, we’ll automatically accept you for an Abbey Credit Card as well.

Maybe the advance overdraft facility is their get out clause and you have not been given that, Just a thought.

I think your barking up the wrong tree really, their advertising i assume would have to be passed thru their legal team to check that it was valid etc.

firsttimestudent

gnaril wrote: »

quote" a switching customer, if you’re accepted for a bank account with an Advance Overdraft facility, we’ll automatically accept you for an Abbey Credit Card as well.

Maybe the advance overdraft facility is their get out clause and you have not been given that, Just a thought.

I think your barking up the wrong tree really, their advertising i assume would have to be passed thru their legal team to check that it was valid etc.

Not really.

Their Advance Overdraft = Approved Overdraft in other banks (as per their T&Cs). And yes, my paperwork here does show an Overdraft of £300.00.

scott_lithgows

firsttimestudent wrote: »

Somehow Post Office CC doesn't seem to like me, keep on rejecting me! That's why I'm after Santander Zero.

I had a look at their website (regarding complaints) at http://www.abbey.com/csgs/Satellite?appID=abbey.internet.Abbeycom&c=Page&canal=CABBEYCOM&cid=1210607032841&empr=Abbeycom&leng=en_GB&pagename=Abbeycom%2FPage%2FWC_ACOM_TemplateA2. Should I write to

9 Nelson Street, Bradford, BD1 5AD

OR

Complaints Department
Abbey
PO BOX 5129
Milton Keynes
MK9 2YN

?

Thanks so much for your quick replies! (I think I'll stick with them, as the 6% at least is still worthwhile)

The 6 % is indeed a very good deal,however at the end of the deal (or the breakdown of the relationship!)I would shift to a Nationwide flexaccount.
good luck,you,ll need it.

never-in-doubt

Send to complaints, Milton Keynes.....

good luck.