SMILE Bank Customer Service

sharpee

SMILE used to be so good, I have been with them for 10 years and never had an issue with them. Whenever I've had problems I've been able to phone them up and get straight through to a person to discuss my problem.

Now they have introduced a new Automated telephone system that doesn't allow you the option to talk to a customer advisor! :mad:

I have tried all the numbers on their website, tried every option, even tried calling the mumber for stolen cards and nado nothing.

I am fuming as I really need to speak to someone today and its just not possible!

Anyone else finding the same issues?

bcl999

I use their website messaging system and have to agree with you. It also has gone downhill.

pimento

Two words. First Direct.

sharpee

Are First Direct any good pimento?

pimento

The win the best bank poll every year just about.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/nov/25/first-direct-tops-banking-satisfaction-poll?newsfeed=true

I think Smile's number (when I banked with them) was someting like 0845 THE BANK (743 2265)

Fridaycat

I agree - First Direct are fab. I have banked with them for 20 years and have not had a single negative experience in that time. Internet banking is very efficient, and there is always someone at the end of the phone if you need to speak to them in person (and no automated systems to navigate before doing so!)

Beastface

I switched from Smile to First Direct about 2 years ago and haven't looked back once.

lammy82

I'm with Smile and if you are thinking of changing to First Direct you should bear in mind that as part of HSBC they don't have the same ethical policies as Smile (part of the Co-Op). So your money may be used to fund (to pick some examples):

- Deforestation (Google "HSBC: world's local bank raises money for global forest destruction")
- Suppression of democracy (Google "HSBC accused of helping Egypt generals stifle dissent")
- Production of cluster bombs (Google "UK banks fund deadly cluster-bomb industry")

I'd urge readers to do their own research (HSBC are by no means the worst offenders in my book) and come to their own conclusions as to what they are comfortable with their money being used for.

I thought I would mention this as one of the reasons I'm with Smile is because of their strong ethical policy (directed by their customers).

pimento

Not much good if you can't contact them though.

shammyjack

sharpee, Have you tried ringing the number and doing nothing when asked to press 1-2-3 etc ?

Most automated systems will connect to a human eventually if you ignore all options. This is to allow for customers on old pre-digital equipment to still be able to contact them.

Worth a try !

shammy

shammyjack

Try these numbers,

0161 477 1927 ,

0161 474 7123 , This one is Co-Op Bank but works for Smile as well .

0800 526149 , Enter nothing else and hold for Customer Services .

0800 0284470 , May work as well .

Good luck !

shammy