Co-operative Bank and Smile switching to 0844 numbers

Legacy_user

It's already been mentioned in the thread on differential charging for prospective and existing customers:

EmehEm2005 wrote: »

Smile personal bank account enquiries for customers and co-operative members was 08457 212 212 and is now 08448 44 88 44.

If you're a member of the press you can ring 0161 827 5856 or 0161 903 4187 or various other numbers for press enquiries and information.

To complain ring 08457 212 212.

I think it merits its own thread. The Co-op's website is in my opinion grossly misleading about it.
http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1336458204636,CFSweb/Page/CFSCtplStandard?WT.svl=footer
It is just not true that

From a BT landline, calls to the new numbers will cost no more than 5 pence per minute at all times of the day so may minimise the potential cost to you when contacting us.

In fact, calls to these 0844 numbers from a BT landline cost slightly more than 5p per minute, plus the 13p 'connection charge'. Calls to 0845 from a BT landline are included (within generous limits) in BT's 'calling plans'. The currently most popular 'calling plan', the 'Anytime', includes all calls to 0845, 24/7. The next most popular, 'Evenings and weekends', includes 0845 after 7pm and all weekend -that is, when most working people will want to call their bank.

I believe that the Co-op is disingenously evading the fact that it gets a bigger payment from calls to 0844 than 0845. Probably it doesn't get a direct cash payment, but it will have negotiated a specially good deal from its telecoms provider for using these 0844 numbers.

If the Co-op really wants to be co-operative and ethical, it should use 03 numbers, not 0844. If it must, it could make honest and transparent direct charges for answering telephone calls it considers are costly to deal with.

MoneySaverLog

calls to 01, 02 and 03 are free on my mobile as are calls to 0800, 0870 and 0845, though I pay extra for this.

Calls to 0844 on my mobile cost a fortune, it would not be a popular choice if I banked with them to provide these numbers cause I'd look elsewhere. Already have a bee in my bonnet about Sky and the Credit Reference Agencies using these numbers when you want to get things sorted with them that are down to their own errors.

every single one of these non-geographical numbers has to be ported to a landline phone number, any excuse they give about not having a geographical number is BS on their part. It's purely a money making exercise.

System

MoneySaverLog wrote: »

...
Calls to 0844 on my mobile cost a fortune...
every single one of these non-geographical numbers has to be ported to a landline phone number ... It's purely a money making exercise.

Completely agree with you about the principle. Unimportant technical correction: 0844 and 0845 numbers don't have to be linked to an honest 01 or 02 number; they can be handled 'in network'.
At present, there are some honest 01 (and 0800) numbers for the Co-operative Bank which still work, but I do not know whether the Co-op will eventually withdraw them.

callum9999

Well I guess it will be cheaper for those who don't have inclusive 0845 calls, but I do agree with you. They should definitely be using 03 numbers.

I take that back, 0844 seems to cost more to call than 0845. Over double the cost in fact.

skaterboy

I also bank with the Co-op and I think they should review their use of Premium rate phone calls.

Seems they are trging to claw back the £200 they bribed me to join them!

GazHatesBanks

And this from an "Ethical" bank who claims to be "Good with money".

This latest change just proves to me that they are as money grabbing and greedy as the rest of the industry especially as they offer the most derisory interest rates on savings on the high street!

Although I rarely phone a bank, when I do it's ALWAYS been to rectify THEIR **** up and to charge horrendous rates to sort it out just rubs salt in the wounds.

cyborg421

I am with Smile although I rarely use the customer service I am going to move to a new bank. For those who haven't tried it before, it's easier than you think.

Simon

notts_phil

skaterboy wrote: »

I also bank with the Co-op and I think they should review their use of Premium rate phone calls.

Seems they are trging to claw back the £200 they bribed me to join them!

But why ring this number when you can go on sayto0870 and get the free to call number

Doesnt make sense...

hendenne

Coop Bank ans Smile used to be all about Customer Care 'The Caring Sharing Bankl' was its headline now it is like the worst of the commercial banks in trying to squeeze every last penny from its customers, as proof it now calls itself 'The Good With Money Bank' ...... their's not yours!!!

I have a COMPLAINT running with Coop Bank about their switch to 0844 numbers - they have responded by acknowledging that many customers have raised concerns about the move away from 0845 to the more expensive 0844 numbers and that the bank is reviewing its position.

That same letter tells me that whilst this review is ongoing the 0845 numbers are still available to be used HOWEVER the GOOD WITH MONEY BANK does not list any 0845 number on its website.

The Coop Bank is OWNED by its members/customers yet recent moves have alienated many longtime customers including me.

The staff who operate the online services of Smile Bank provide an excellent service but they are tied by systems that are 12 years old..

COME ON COOP BANK - get your house in order - your raison d'etre is to provide a SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS not to allow new Chief Excs to turn the Bank into another RBS.

It has taken me some weeks to 'bother' to add to this thread but this is an ongoing problem so I encourage others like me to add their voice to the Coop/Smile REVOLUTION.. we will not stay banking with you if you are only GOOD WITH MONEY.

Chrisblue1962

I currently use 0161 - 829 - 5860 when calling the Co-operative Bank as I get a call allowance with my mobile phone - gets me through to the normal menus options like the 0845 number used to...

rich246

My only comment about the co-operative Bank is that their name is very misleading because they are neither co-operative or particularly competitive. The fact they have introduced an 0844 number says it all... MONEY MONEY MONEY - don't fall for the slick advertising.

Google 'say no to 0870' and click on 'Search to find an alternative number' Yes I know it's an horrendously messy amateurish looking website, but it does have some genuine alternative phone numbers in it's database.