MSE News: Santander to charge for 'free' business accounts

magpiecottage

JuicyJesus wrote: »

All of which is true.

Indeed.

Seeking support from individual MPs is about using their influence rather than their power.

gavcooper

I have moved to the free banking offered by HSBC. If anyone else is moving to them there is a referral scheme. Please see the MSE Referrers Board, so you can make a little bit of money.

It was easier to open the account in branch than online as the account is open immediately. Cheque book and cards came in the post a few days later.

jap200

jap200 wrote: »

Am I the only one not to have received a letter? I opened a Santander 'Free Forever' business account in May last year for my new limited company. I've not heard a dicky bird about this at all except on this site!

Still not received the letter - is it just me - has everyone else got one?

magpiecottage

jap200 wrote: »

Still not received the letter - is it just me - has everyone else got one?

My guess is that they are doing it in the order that accounts were opened.

Justdesserts

Saw my MP this morning. He was apalled when he read the documentation (Thank you Magpiecottage )He is writing to the CEO Santander and also referring it to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee. If the response is unsatisfactory, he will also take it up with the FSA although he has a healthy sceptisism for them.

Top bloke!!!!

magpiecottage

Good stuff. Malcolm Foster is due to see his MP today as well.

Of course the FSA seems keen to make us all pay for bank accounts (presumably wanting us to know the price of everything but the value of nothing).

However, a contract is a contract!

BusinessIsBusiness

__________

Malcolm_Foster_2

magpiecottage wrote: »

Good stuff. Malcolm Foster is due to see his MP today as well.

Of course the FSA seems keen to make us all pay for bank accounts (presumably wanting us to know the price of everything but the value of nothing).

However, a contract is a contract!

Hi magpiecottage. I don't know how I gave that impression but I regret to say it is not the case - I wish it were so. Please correct me if I am wrong. My MP for Pendle, Andrew Stephenson, did not feel he could take things further than I/we already have, ie, complaints gone in to all appropriate bodies (so things have been put in motion). This, a certain `washing of hands' attitude (although I should add, he has not declined future help), compares poorly with the response from other commenters here whose MP seems to care and to be prepared to put their heads above the parapet.
That reminds me, I must try and find out which of our politicians, if any, have vested interests with Santander or associated companies.
I have now got a very positive feeling that Santander will be forced to back down and reach some compromise such as I suggested to them ie, close Free Forever Banking accounts to new applicants but honour their promise/contract with existing customers and retain it.
As I have informed then, I am otherwise very happy with their banking service and do not not wish to go to all the time, trouble and expense of moving (including substantial savings)- but I will, even at extra cost! But who am I when £Millions are at stake?

magpiecottage

Sorry - senior moment on my part.

However, writing to MPs does clearly raise awareness of the issue - and anger.

swordsman1

magpiecottage wrote: »

My guess is that they are doing it in the order that accounts were opened.

Must be reverse order. Still not received my letter. Account opened in 2004.