Appalling service from Alliance & Leicester

maybird_2

I am so disappointed with the way my transfer to the AL Premier Plus account is going.
STILL no contact whatsoever from direct debit/standing order people despite twice having filled in the switching form and having had the account open since end Aug. I am in the ridiculous position of keeping two current accounts on the go for yet another month to try and switch money in and money out to cover everybody.
Added to the fact that it seems to take forever for a transfer of funds to hit the other account compared to 'traditional' banks (which are bad enough frankly - why do we still need 3 days+ in the 21st century???) this is really p'ing me off.
And the insult of having to dial an 0870 number to find out why the heck they still haven't done anything and STILL not get any explanation/help. AARGH.
In case anyone wants it, the direct dial for the standing orders/direct debits people at Bootle is:
0151 966 3754. Much good may it do you.

Incidentally, despite my express written instructions not to use my home telephone number for direct marketing purposes they have already done this. Seems they're pretty good at getting in touch when they want to sell you something. Hell will freeze over before I buy another service from A & L.
Thank God I didn't close my RBS account down. Crap interest, perfectly good service. And cash machines everywhere. The A&L interest is going to have to feel pretty good for me to stay beyond Christmas.

System

and i am still waiting for them to close my account. >:( I phoned them last wednesday and they said it would be closed by the weekend.... last weekend. >:(

ioscorpio

Customer Service No. is 0113 254 1566

Paul1_2

I have to say that up to now I have been quite impressed with A & L. Opened a Web Saver Account, done and operational in just over a week.

Current Account has been a similar experience, forms have arrived promptly and have been returned. Mind I won't be using the switcher service as past experience with If and Cahoot has taught me to control this little excercise myself.

Paul1 8)

mrcow

Well moneymart - I'm now kicking myself that I didn't heed your warnings.

I guess I was too excited at the prospect of a free overdraft and the £25 offer ::)

I've just gotten off the phone to A&L customer services and to be honest am at the point of tears.

I've NEVER spoken to such a rude and dismissive customer services team (it's all of them - not just one individual). They speak to you like you are a piece of shi*t off the bottom of their shoe and are completely unhelpful and deliberately obtusive.

And this is just whilst I'm trying to set my account up and transfer my DDs. Whatever's going to happen if I have a serious banking query and need some real help and support??

Why would I trust them with my money, when they seem completely incapable to handle even simple email or telehone queries?

I used to think that Lloyds TSB were a bit faceless and automated - but I'm quickly learning the meaning of the phrase "better the devil you know"

Needless to say that my letter of cancellation will be following very soon :-[

hkw1

I too am transferring to A&L and I've had nothing but rouble - very slow - charging for their mistakes - not arranging standing orders/direct debits/salary myself - would've been much easier to do it myself!

bowf

Folks,I too am unhappy with A+L's service.
I have had the account for about 2 months and it has been nothing but hassle.
I asked my employer to transfer one salary payment into it,but I've asked them to revert back to my previous account from now on.
I want to cancel the A+L account.
What I want to know is;

What is the best way to cancel the account ?
What comeback do they have against me for cancelling after only 2 months and only 1 deposit ?

If the £25 they gave me is an issue,they can have it back.

mrcow

What is the best way to cancel the account ?
What comeback do they have against me for cancelling after only 2 months and only 1 deposit ?

If the £25 they gave me is an issue,they can have it back.

I'd love to help you out, as my cancellation letter went off last Wednesday......but......

....surprise, surprise, I've heard not a dicky bird back from them >:( If it's anything like my account set-up, I'll probably still be waiting for the account closure by Christmas ???

I've cleared the account, including the £25 offer, as I've seen no clauses as to having to pay it back if you close the account within a given period.

When I advised A&L that I was closing the account on Wednesday, they didn't mention having to reimburse them. At least pays for the phonecalls wasted on chasing them up.

bowf

So you reckon a letter cancelling the account is the best bet ?
Stating reasons,or just a basic "please close the account" ?

mrcow

You'd have to put it in writing anyhow, and IMO, it's best to explain why you're not happy.

As to how long it will take them to respond - how long's a piece of string ::) ??? 9 days and counting for me :-/