Who is the second worst?

adamc260

olly300 wrote: »

Some of the complaints you read for example the fact that Nationwide refuse to open full Flexaccounts to people are due to what type of customers the bank wants to attract or the fact they can't be bothered to invest in their systems, but other complaints are basic customer service.

Even more so when you actually know personally the people they are from and why the complaint has happened.

For example in the case of Santander they seem to be incompetent. There is no excuse for them taking a long time (as in weeks) to open accounts when people present with the ID requested, when other banks can do the same process in an hour. There are other things they do which also illustrate their incompetence which other banks don't do on a regular basis.

There as in Natwest it's often the rudeness of staff that is the problem. I left Natwest due to this and continually hear stories of how rude branch staff are to family and friends. I bank with banks where the branch staff including the branch manager don't have the authorisation to do things but they are not rude to me due to this.

I know customers are difficult to deal with but when you hear more complaints about one bank about what is a basic customer service issue you know there is a problem.

My account opened with Santander in a matter of days and my Cheque book, Debit card and all internet banking login details were with me within a few days. All DD's transfered fine and have been paid all ok and my standing orders are fine too. Don't have a bad word to say about this "awful bank"

jen245

My account was opened the same day I applied, and was added to my old A&L online banking log in, so I could access it instantly without the need to re-register for online banking (my previous A&L accounts had been closed for 18 months before I opened this one), I was really impressed. Got my debit card and welcome pack within a week. My one DD and 2 SO switched without any issues. I had one small issue with a payment out of my account as it was delayed for fraud checks, which was sorted quickly, but other than that, I haven't had any big problems so far. They have vastly improved since the A&L takeover fiasco.
Although having said all that, I still wouldn't use them as my main bank, due to previous problems I had through the A&L takeover, I still don't quite trust them, but I will use them to make the most out of my money, and for the incentives. My mum and stepdad have also banked with them for about 5 years, when they were Abbey, and they haven't had any issues with them either

ariba10

Have been with Santander from A & L days, and never had a problem.

barginpleasure

I too have been with Santander, Bank of Scotland, Nationwide and First Direct for current accounts.
All thanks to Mr Lewis and his chasing the rate blogs.

Anyway I have had no issues with any of the banks in the long term.

Santander. I did have an issue with Santander where they took money out my account on a Sunday and I put money in on the Sunday but on my statement the money was in on the Sunday and out on the Monday so I was over drawn for about 12 hours in reality but on paper I wasn't over drawn, if you catch this, anyway the branch were having none of it and phoned up customer service they sorted it straight away.

First Direct. Obviously no branch. Love the way there is no options straight in issue dealt with then off phone what a pleasure to deal with and I have to say this is probably how they are number one as I know of no one who likes options.

Bank of Scotland. Been with them since as long as can remember. No issues that have not been resolved or through my fault. Seen no major change when Halifax joined. Although the rates on saving were better. Then bought by Lloyds. In branch did not like the way they started the paper pay in but they say they have listened and they have stopped this. Only thing now is they look like they have gone it alone again and now don't do Halifax savers in branch.

Nationwide. Was with them for the free cash abroad but lef about 2 years ago when rates were better else where. Although no issue on my part, I have a family member who has had money taken from her account and the branch were very unsympathetic and has now been going on for about a month. Luckily money wasn't needed but they have not been quick to investigate it or replace it. Another one tried to withdraw money out of a machine but it did not come out the slot. Again in branch very unsympathetic and told to fill in form etc etc even though they could see the money was out but then they would have to count the machine at night.
I have just returned to Nationwide as a current account customer to get 4.25% ISA. Not impressed with the free travel insurance and add a child of 12 for £30. Thank god for faster payments and easy access savings to keep account empty.

Just my experiences which in the whole scheme of banking is quite good.