Bizarre conversation with Hallifax...

wanderling

I've just had the most bizarre conversation with a telesales man at Halifax credit cards.
I was in the middle of an online application for a Halifax credit card when I noticed it asked for my consent to be contacted by the Lloyds group. I had no idea that Halifax was now part of the Lloyds group and since I wanted to do a balance transfer from a Lloyds card I wasn't sure if I would get approved.
So...I rang Halifax and asked them what was not a particularly unreasonable question "When you say 'You cannot apply if you already have a card with us' what does 'us' mean? Halifax or the whole Lloyds banking group?
The guy said he didn't know and would have to ask his manager then came back to phone and became really defensive! He said he could only answer questions pertaining to Halifax and RBS.
So I said "So are you or not part of the Lloyds banking group?" And he said he'd been advised by his manager that he wasn't at liberty to (and I quote) "Give away information like that".
I pointed out that it wasn't exactly top secret, in fact, it was on their own credit card application form. He then became even more defensive and unhelpful so I hung up.
Is this just incompetence do you think or something more sinister afoot?
Needless to say I applied for a credit card elsewhere.

_Andy_

Nothing sinister.

Probably someone new/untrained/didn't understand etc.. was worried about losing face so tried to blag it.

opinions4u

He said he could only answer questions pertaining to Halifax and RBS.

He's clearly clueless, as RBS is a completely different bank.

I had no idea that Halifax was now part of the Lloyds group

You didn't watch the news in 2008 or 2009 then.

He's probably only worked there since yesterday morning.

InsideInsurance

It would be Bank of Scotland not Royal Bank of Scotland.... BoS is part of Lloyds group and previously part of HBoS. RBS is totally separate and nothing to do with them.

Uncertain if BoS or RBS was mentioned by the agent or if the OP is confused.

The merger between BoS and Halifax was fairly well started at the point that Lloyds acquired them and then that went very badly wrong as per all the press at the time

Davie2909

Most of the call centres are outsourced so these staff won't be very switched on to the ins and out of the banks details

opinions4u

Davie2909 wrote: »

Most of the call centres are outsourced so these staff won't be very switched on to the ins and out of the banks details

So which Lloyds Banking Group call centres for day to day banking and credit card enquiries are out-sourced?

worried_jim

wanderling wrote: »

I had no idea that Halifax was now part of the Lloyds group

What planet have you been living on for the last four years?

sscott5581

While Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland are part of Lloyds Banking Group a balance transfer can be made between Lloyds and Halifax. I have done this previous with no issues. My partner did this the other day again with no issues. However a balance transfer cannot be made between Halifax and Bank of Scotland (ex HBOS).

anne-b

I was told my reply was inappropriate and "stealing" the threat. Honest mistake. I was replying to someone who said their had a "bizarre" conversation with a bank. I also had one so posted a reply asking for help, along with a question. Did not mean to step on anyone's post or toes. Sorry. I have deleted my original post out of respect.

sharpy2010

anne-b wrote: »

I have a Think Banking bank account. I am self employed and have been placing my earnings through the account. I find it easier to deal in cash--because of all the fuss over using our bank accounts. Using cash is being policed, which I understand is the law now. However, I only put funds into the account after saving a large amount, to save on all the questioning. However today I had asked for my cash deposit to be transferred into another of my accounts, which is part of the banking services I am meant to enjoy. Instead I was asked a lot more of the same old questions, then told the funds could not be transferred as my account was 'frozen' and he could not tell me why. When I said that was fine and that I would withdraw my cash in person, he said I could not do that. he could not tell me why. I asked of there was anything wrong or anyone else I should talk to, this is a large sum, and it is needed. He said Think Banking would call when the funds could be release.

I feel bothered. I have had a bank misplace a large amount of my money before. I can't fathom it, unless the funds have not been processed properly yet. I placed the funds into the account via The Royal Bank Two days ago. I guess it might take three days, but why freeze my account. The account manager said he was unable to get any information about my account. Not even update contact information.

If I was you I'd start your own thread and not steal someone elses. I doubt anyone will bother to help you here.

anne-b

Oops..sorry. New..never used this type of forum before....partially sighted, and a little dotty.

Hope I did not offend anyone.

I'll slink off and keep my concerns to myself.

Hope you do get any help you need.

At least you bothered to put me right. Best knowing when you are going wrong--thanks.