Incompetent Lloyds TSB

innovate

Deru wrote: »

I second First Direct. Albeit they're a handle of HSBC, they offer 24 hr customer service over the phone. You use HSBC branches so branches are plentiful for branch transactions. Oh and Metrobank if there's a branch near you! Downside is the lack of branches but Sunday opening is great!

I couldn't disagree more about Metrobank. They might be great if you want to cosy up to a banker for a chat and a free coffee, or feed your dog, or play with their coin changing machines. Other than that, there is little that puts them above any other bank I have ever dealt with. Only yesterday/today I found out about their FP. It's within the legal limits, but literally 10 times slower than everybody else. You can pay their credit card by direct debit from any bank - as long as that bank is Metrobank. Utterly ridiculous. You can't open a current account online. And so it continues.

Suppose it all depends what you are looking for in a bank. I am just looking for clean & fast transactions, with minimum human interaction, decent interest rates, and fair charges.

Deru

They do the trick for me. I don't need their credit card as I have cashback credit cards from other providers. I've taken dog biscuits but was never offered coffee. :P

Yes, Faster Payment is slower. I find it shows up in 2 hours with outgoing transactions? Incoming is instant.

As for opening a Current account online, I think their main selling point is that they're more a 'visit your branch' sort of bank hence longer opening hours and Sunday banking. On the bright side, opening an account took them just 20-25 mins in branch and they give you the debit card there and then. If you're not near a branch then it's not the bank for you.

Free coin counting is nice and I've found branch staff very helpful. I get the clean and fast transactions with minimum human interaction, decent interest rates and fair charges from my other banks. Seems different banks offer different features.

innovate

Deru wrote: »

Yes, Faster Payment is slower. I find it shows up in 2 hours with outgoing transactions? Incoming is instant.

Incoming took over 10 hours for me earlier this week. I tried another £10 yesterday morning at 07:35 - - as of now, it has not arrived.

Listing them as a "much better bank, with much better service" is just absurd. They are just another bank, with their good and bad sides. As are all of them, in my experience.

xanti

Thanks for the comments everyone

My son got the same cheque and I asked him to look at which bank issued it...it's Lloyds!

What is unacceptable to me is the fact that it will take up to '20 working days' to inform me if they will honour using a copy! If it's the same bank, surely it could be done much quicker so I know then what I have to do?

I submitted the formal complaint online on Tuesday evening and have had no call yet - they did sent me a confirmation email 'thanking' me for the complaint and stating they would call as soon as possible.

What would be a reasonable time before chasing?

You have all been very helpful, thanks again.

dalesrider

Just because it was issued by lloyds ZA does not make much diffrence. The 20 days will come from the fact that they have to contact ZA and get clearance from them that a copy is OK. They could say no....

As to your complaint. They have 48 working hours to responded in the 1st instance. So that would be close on thurs, as you sent the complaint after close on Tues. And no, that thank you does not count.
After that no matter what they will have to issue a written responce to you. Even if they resolve the matter in a phone call.
Worst case you get a hold letter in 10 days.

TBH. The idea of getting the cheque cancelled and a electronic payment sent, seems a much better idea.

xanti

I agree Dalesrider, I will contact SA per email and see if they can do that.

Thanks!