Well done Alliance & leicester

chatta

Today I went to my local supermarket, how awful my card was 'declined'. An A & L account as recommended by Martin. I came home checked my balance on internet banking and definately had funds to pay for a measly 5.67 of goods. I then phoned customer services who told me they had suspended my account due to a cash withdrawal they had refused from a machine in Crouchend (never been there in my life). I was transferred to fraud section. I was told this had happened Saturday night, (at home watching tv). So my card has been cloned and my pin number recorded on a camera. They refused it as they said a 'marker' (whats that!) was on my account. So thank goodness my account is now suspended and a new card will be issued to me asap, luckily for me no money has been taken from my account and well done to them for picking it up. I thought I was always so careful about checking for strange machines, I never use strange places to withdraw money yet it has happened. Please all of you be careful, it has really upset me and I feel violated, and of course caused me now to have no access to my account till I get new card. Although A&L have said if I need money I can go to any branch with proof of identity and draw cash. Well done to them for saving me the contents of my account................

Will.Power_2

I'm sure A&L would be pleased to receive a copy of your post as well. I'm sure they get plenty of stick elsewhere in the forum.

chatta

Your probably right not so happy with Nationwide who had my account for over 25 years who wont reply to me over my excessive charges that I am trying to reclaim (as recomended my Martin). Still waiting from the 14th june. HA HA. Havent even acknowledged my letter, wonder why............... Used internet secure messaging 5 times......... Supposed to reply within 5 working days as well.

Astaroth

Wasnt it A&L that hit the headlines for closing all the accounts of who complained about excessive charges and demand immediate repayment of all monies owed on credit cards etc?

chatta

oh really I didnt know that, I will be careful not to go overdrawn then !!! Actually I have been good there following Martins money saving tips. Most of my charges were incurred 5 years ago before I was back in work after being at home with children. At least they did something which is better than being ignored by nationwide. Isnt closing accounts based on that excuse illegal (according to Martin I think).

Astaroth

I doubt it, certainly all my bank accounts have a clause that the bank can close the account without reason. Along as it wasnt due to an outlawed ism (racism, disability discrimination etc) then I cant see how it would be considered a breach.

chatta

Warning! They may threaten to close your account


Recently as part of the settlement, some banks have informed complainents that, to paraphrase, "we'll pay up, but we'll shut your account down." Obviously if you're in financial difficulties this will be a nightmare (and interestingly breaks the Banking Code, but that's another point). However a sensible precaution before you start this process is to open up a new bank account elsewhere, which is operational, just in case this happens.


Just copied and pasted this from Martins website maybe its not illegal but as he said breaks banking code...................

chatta

am i missing entire point if I am I am so sorry...........

Astaroth

Personally I would not agree with everything that Martin says but with things like this it is simply a matter of opinion (including if the fees are even unenforcable or not in the first place) as none of it has yet been challenged in court.