Halifax- an unwielding monolith

peawack

When they (Halifax) gave me a reminder of my 0% rate offer, just days before it was due to expire, I wrote to ask if they were being careless or devious.

Their response was to send me some cheques at 21.95%, with a 3% fee.
Some time later I asked about balance transfer rates and was quoted 17.9%, and given an invitation to close the account if I did not wish to use it!

I took up their invitation and closed the card, and was duly sent an offer of 1.95% until November, one week after cancelling the card !
Maybe they are just taking the mick !!! Maybe they are so removed from their customers that they don't give a monkey's cuss.

youknowwho

peawack wrote: »

When they (Halifax) gave me a reminder of my 0% rate offer, just days before it was due to expire, I wrote to ask if they were being careless or devious.

Their response was to send me some cheques at 21.95%, with a 3% fee.
Some time later I asked about balance transfer rates and was quoted 17.9%, and given an invitation to close the account if I did not wish to use it!

I took up their invitation and closed the card, and was duly sent an offer of 1.95% until November, one week after cancelling the card !
Maybe they are just taking the mick !!! Maybe they are so removed from their customers that they don't give a monkey's cuss.

How are they being devious/careless?

Sending cheques would not have been a "response", they are sent out by marketing every now and then, you cant even request them.

You are obvioulsy on their mailing lists to get these promotions, that offer (1.95%) was probably in the post before you even cancelled it, and also all mailing lists are always prepared like 1 month in advance, why would a company send you an offer to take the mick? their not gaining anything from it.

[Deleted User]

Paranoid delusions

cure - drink some coffee

realaledrinker

My Halifax statements have shown the expiry date for my 0% offer since the very first one

I would agree that their systems are pants, though.

peawack

youknowwho wrote: »

How are they being devious/careless?

Sending cheques would not have been a "response", they are sent out by marketing every now and then, you cant even request them.

You are obvioulsy on their mailing lists to get these promotions, that offer (1.95%) was probably in the post before you even cancelled it, and also all mailing lists are always prepared like 1 month in advance, why would a company send you an offer to take the mick? their not gaining anything from it.

You are on a low rate for a week then your rate rockets up to 21.95% after you have done a balance transfer. This does not take much working out.
Not everyone might be aware that their interest rate is about to explode, (yes I know they should ), but once you make that mistake you are stuck with it. They will get their share of victims this way.
This is happening on a more regular basis, I experienced the same tactic with my egg card, and it IS devious.
The 'taking the mick ' bit was a little bit of humour. Lighten up.

peawack

Yant1 wrote: »

Paranoid delusions

cure - drink some coffee

Terrific contribution to the debate.

[Deleted User]

Are the CIA also listening to your telephone conversations and MI6 following you about? Do aliens beam messages to your alloy tooth fillings?

Reaper

This board is notorious for being unsympathetic to people who make a mistake, especially if they then blame the bank. I'm not saying that's a good thing, it's not. It's just the way it is.

I have stoozed many 0% deals in my time and I don't recall ever being told my 0% period was about to expire. Halifax have gone further than most in contacting you.

Martin has a "tart alert" which will remind you when it is time to pay up. Don't wait for the banks to do it.

[Deleted User]

Well the first post from poster number 2 (youknowwho
(answered OPs questions so he needed go on, they are random circumstances and not related acts.

Most banks will hide the 0% period as they gave it you to bring you in they then hope you forget all about it wrapped up in a dd automation and a bill you file under bin. Halifax are one of the few banks that inform you of the 0% period infact the sainsburys card (which is halifax) i have goes so far as to put it on every bill. All praise ye HBOS for being one of the better banks.

youknowwho

peawack wrote: »

You are on a low rate for a week then your rate rockets up to 21.95% after you have done a balance transfer. This does not take much working out.
Not everyone might be aware that their interest rate is about to explode, (yes I know they should ), but once you make that mistake you are stuck with it. They will get their share of victims this way.
This is happening on a more regular basis, I experienced the same tactic with my egg card, and it IS devious.
The 'taking the mick ' bit was a little bit of humour. Lighten up.

Lightened up now,

I see what you mean with the transfer for 0% for a month, then shoots up to its typical apr. I thought you could only do balance transfers within the first 90 days of opening your account though???

youknowwho

Yant1 wrote: »

Are the CIA also listening to your telephone conversations and MI6 following you about? Do aliens beam messages to your alloy tooth fillings?

A bit of humour on the board, i like it.