Adios Santander

Newly_retired

Just had my second problem since A & L migrated to Santander. Both concern ID numbers.
First my A & L online banking number wasn't recognised and it took lots of phone calls and a 10 day wait for a new ID in the post.
Today I am without a cheque book- the routine replacement has not come through, so now I have to wait up to 10 days for one to come through the post.
But getting through on the phone was the hard part. It would not accept either my interent ID or the 16 figure number on my old ( but still current ) A & L debt card, nor my new but as yet unused Santander cashcard.
When I got through to an operator she was extremely polite and helpful, and has given me a new telephone ID.
I'm just hoping her promise is true, that this won't affect my online banking!

I have current accounts elsewhere now, so any more bother and I shall transfer all my banking to them- and it will be adios Santander for me too.

masonic

PNPSUKNET wrote: »

Whats the delay with the RBS sale?

I seem to remember the timetable being 12-18 months when the news was first announced. Perhaps they are learning from past mistakes (A&L) and doing a bit of extra prep work this time.

ponbeam

Whilst I am not happy with the service I have received from Santander, their accounts are so much better then the alternatives that I grin and bare it while they make me money on my savings etc. I have been assured that they are sorting it out and the service is getting alot better.

masonic

ponbeam wrote: »

...their accounts are so much better then the alternatives that I grin and bare it while they make me money on my savings etc...

Really? There are some pretty good non-Santander accounts out there. I'd be surprised if you couldn't switch without losing out.

flossy_splodge

masonic wrote: »

Really? There are some pretty good non-Santander accounts out there. I'd be surprised if you couldn't switch without losing out.

Can you offer some specifics please masonic?

ses6jwg

flossy_splodge wrote: »

Can you offer some specifics please masonic?

Halifax Reward and Lloyds Vantage are about the only 2 without fees.

ses6jwg

Cmdr_Bond wrote: »

B&B were forced to sell by the government - and Santander won the bid (or part of it anyway)

But from what I can see, although Abbey got hit by the Enron fiasco, I cannot find anything to say that the takeover of either Abbey or A&L was because they were in dire straights, nor were they forced by the government. The takeovers were voted in by the shareholders - possibly more motivated by the dividends than what would become of their brand.

Abbey were disintegrating from the inside.

A&L had a lot of exposure to bad debt because they used to heavily push PPI, UPLs and risky mortgages.

masonic

flossy_splodge wrote: »

Can you offer some specifics please masonic?

It depends what other accounts you have with Santander. You mention savings?

For current accounts, ses6jwg has mentioned the two best...

Lloyds Vantage - 4% interest on balances £5000-£7000, £1000 needs to be transferred though the account per month. You can have up to 3. These work well as instant access savings accounts and have faster payments enabled.

Halifax Reward - Flat rate of £5 per month for doing the same as above.

Edit: Also First Direct - £100 just to switch to them. You can switch away in 6 months for another £100. In this case, you need to cycle £1500 per month through this account.

JuicyJesus

ses6jwg wrote: »

Abbey were disintegrating from the inside.

I remember speaking to someone who worked there. He said that the idea when Abbey were bought by Santander was that they would run down Abbey and make the service crap, then when Santander took over everything would improve and the customers would see it as a breath of fresh air.

Disintegrating from the inside doesn't really cover it.

Fairzo

I miss Abbey but nearly rid of Satander. Current account closed (moved to FD), credit card closed once the 12 months 0% had run, savings account closed. Just the ex-Abbey loan to go, last payment Feb next year :j:beer: