Fed up with Barclays

buttonmoon

Basically, Barclays service has been shocking and really nosedived since they took counter service out of their branches so I am looking at switching my accounts to another bank which is more customer service orientated. Now there are machines which don't do anything you would like to do, or your banking takes 10 times as long in branch as it used to before they removed the counter!

I probably do 95% of my banking online and visit a branch rarely but when I do I don't want to feel like a bit of my soul has died!

The kicker yesterday was where I had nipped into town but forgotten my connect card. No problem I thought I will just nip to the branch and withdraw some cash (I had ID and account details). Apparently, you cannot withdraw cash over the one counter left! Instead you have to speak to the iPad lady, make an appointment, sit and wait, go see personal banker who gives you a QR code then you take the QR code to one of the stupid machines, then type in a million details, then the machine has a think, then you finally get your cash after 30 mins from when you first walked in!

Can anyone advise of any banks you think are good and helpful towards customers? All I need is a normal bank account with a debit card (and a small interest free overdraft would be good) with online banking but good branch service when you need it!

Paul_1977

Where are you in the UK? Lots of banks are going the same way as Barclays, a few are not at the moment.

Natwest/RBS has emergency cash, so you can withdraw from a cashpoint without a card.

http://personal.natwest.com/personal/ways-to-bank-with-us/get-emergency-cash.html

I would say stay away from Halifax, I know they are terrible as they "force" customers over to a machine.

Metro Bank is ok, but its only around London at the moment I think.

buttonmoon

I'm in Devon. To be honest this is a build up of Barclays generally being rubbish but the machines are the tipping point.

FOREVER21

I fully agree with your comments about BarclaysMy branch still has counter service albeit in reducing numbers.

The person walking around with the iPad and the " greeter" standing at the entrance , could to my mind be better employed behind a counter.

When I mentioned this to a member of staff she agreed , but said it was Barclays new policy and was the way forward.

My only other experience is with Yorkshire bank where I have a savings account. The branch I use has just recently opened, they do not have glass partitions between staff and customer and you sit at a desk with a member of staff. No sign of the iPad adviser,either.

All very civilised and friendly although I have to say no sign of many customers at the moment, how they will cope time wise if they get busy I don't know.

MisterMotivated

Paul_1977 wrote: »

I would say stay away from Halifax, I know they are terrible as they "force" customers over to a machine.

There will be people who have had problems at every bank. Of all the banks I hold accounts with, I use Halifax branches most often. The staff have always been polite and helpful, and I've never been "forced" over to a machine.

Anthorn

buttonmoon wrote: »

Basically, Barclays service has been shocking and really nosedived since they took counter service out of their branches so I am looking at switching my accounts to another bank which is more customer service orientated. Now there are machines which don't do anything you would like to do, or your banking takes 10 times as long in branch as it used to before they removed the counter!

I probably do 95% of my banking online and visit a branch rarely but when I do I don't want to feel like a bit of my soul has died!

The kicker yesterday was where I had nipped into town but forgotten my connect card. No problem I thought I will just nip to the branch and withdraw some cash (I had ID and account details). Apparently, you cannot withdraw cash over the one counter left! Instead you have to speak to the iPad lady, make an appointment, sit and wait, go see personal banker who gives you a QR code then you take the QR code to one of the stupid machines, then type in a million details, then the machine has a think, then you finally get your cash after 30 mins from when you first walked in!

Can anyone advise of any banks you think are good and helpful towards customers? All I need is a normal bank account with a debit card (and a small interest free overdraft would be good) with online banking but good branch service when you need it!

So you do 95% of your banking online and then complain about the lack of service in branches. I'm not even going to comment further!

Paul_1977

MisterMotivated wrote: »

There will be people who have had problems at every bank. Of all the banks I hold accounts with, I use Halifax branches most often. The staff have always been polite and helpful, and I've never been "forced" over to a machine.

Halifax in particular are known for this. I have witnessed it in several branches with me and others.

Staff were rude and ignorant. The worst service, but perhaps its only in my area, as I understand they have the same manager.

Never had this particular problem in any other bank. Other banks encourage, but not Halifax, "You must use the machine".

They tried it with me, I told them I was taking everything out and told them to close the account. Not that they care.

System

All banks, with the automated counter machines, tend to prod you via those machines for speed.

IME only Barclays and HSBC make if difficult to get a human, if you so choose. All the others are fairly relaxed including Halifax.

mgdavid

buttonmoon wrote: »

......... All I need is a normal bank account with a debit card ..........!

All banks will give you a debit card, the idea is that you carry it with you. Leaving it at home and then blaming the bank is one of the most ridiculous posts I've read for a while...

Kim_13

Natwest's app has a feature that would allow you to withdraw cash from the cash machine with no card, no need to visit a branch.

markfj

I hate Barclays, last straw for me was speaking to a foreign guy who couldn't understand my query, he got frustrated so put the phone down on me, as if it was my fault

Best thing I did, was switch from Barclays to First Direct, FD are much more helpful, available 24/7 online and phone and I speak to people that understand English which is very helpful