Stay away from Santander because of bad service, despite the rate?

wellused

I applied to transfer a current account and an isa into the Halifax 5 weeks ago and thus far have heard nothing from them regarding any progress, so I visited the branch to be told that they were experiencing problems and it would take another 3 weeks. It seems that it is not just Santander with problems.

DragonQ

I have their 3.3% instant access ISA (base rate + 2.8%). Had no problems opening the ISA and haven't touched it since. Hopefully all will be smooth when I transfer it out in April. Would never use them for day-to-day stuff though - I doubt they're voted the worst bank for customer service for nothing!

mac.d

I had no problems transferring an ISA to them a year or so ago, and any queries have been dealt with easily enough. Although I'm about to transfer out now so we'll see how that goes!

The only problem I had was when I tried to do pay something into it this year. As I hadn't paid anything into it the previous year, they told me there was a block on it which wouldn't be lifted until I either phoned them or visited a branch to be read out the terms and conditions. That was a bit of a pain, but maybe that's something that happens at other banks too?

JohnRo

For what it's worth, I have an esaver account opened a few months ago. Set up was effortless and the internet login details were sent through the post as expected. Unfortunately the online account wasn't responding to the login details supplied so I had to phone them up and was advised new details would be sent.

This was a trouble free call answered quickly and politely, the explanation given for what the problem was and what they would do to fix it was clear.

The new details arrived a week later and worked fine, I had an old A&L savings account from a few years ago also showing on their internet portal, requested they delete the old account which was done the following day. Since the slight login hiccup at the start I have had no problems whatsoever. Using the account to make monthly payments in and out is working without a hitch and have been very easy to setup.

They've clearly had operational problems in the past for obvious reasons but my experience with them has been entirely positive. A lot of the perception they're terrible is a hangover from the massive difficulties they encountered coping with all the aquisitions and assimilations in the past (and future perhaps) but a lot of the complaining seems to be due to their reputation as much as their failings, all banks make mistakes from time to time.

I'm not wanting to overdo it but credit where it's due, they're moving in the right direction in my experience.

slopemaster

They're a nightmare.
Froze all my accounts, and I never did get a proper explanation of why, in spite of doing a complaint to the ombudsman, and a data protection SAR.
In the end I gave up as it was too much hassle.
Wouldn't go near them at any price.

suchard007

Santander bond matured yesterday 1.11.11 - capital has been repaid but interest has been "delayed". Their IT guys say that they're aware of it and trying to sort it as a priority. 24 hours later and still no sign. This is not the first problem I've had with Santander. Never, ever, ever, ever will they get my money again. Problem and worry associated with them - never mind hanging on the phone for answers - is just unacceptable. STAY AWAY !!

Bogart99

I thought Northern Rock were dire till I used Santander! Unbelieveable
incompetance on a grand scale:eek:

ffacoffipawb

Bogart99 wrote: »

I thought Northern Rock were dire till I used Santander! Unbelieveable
incompetance on a grand scale:eek:

The Frankie Cocozza of the banking world.