Santander Business Account .... Grrr!

wymondham

Hi All

Been using Santander Business Banking for a few years fine with a good online system. On Monday I locked myself out of it - not really sure what happened but thought I'd call to get quickly re-established.

Went through security so they now knew who I was and we discussed the problem, only to be told to get back in they need to post me a reactivation letter that can take 6 days!!!!

So, I could be locked out of my business account for 6 days - this isn't business friendly at all and since I was talking to them, having past all security checks why couldn't this be done over the phone even if this meant texting me numbers or them calling me back if they wanted more security...?

21st century bank with 18th century recovery options!

Is this standard on other banks? I now cant do my usual daily reconciliation or pay anyone without waiting on the phone for 20 mins each time...

Santander need to appreciate the implications of their policies on people running businesses...!

GGrrrrr

rant over!

theburningcat

Totally agree. The same happened to me a few months ago. I can't speak for other banks on this point specifically but I have shopped around and concluded that, at least until there is more competition in this space, I'd prefer to put up with Santander's crappy/odd service, which is roughly on par with other big names, than to pay the sort of fees that Coutts/Handelsbanken would charge.

A possible exception is Co Op Bank, which is free with FSB membership (so not really free as it's the main benefit of FSB membership). Their business customers seem to be happier than most.

wymondham

One other thing they didn't mention was if you ordered your recovery details then happen to 'have one last go' it locks you out again so you need to not touch your online system until you get your letters... this cost me another two days... silly on my behalf I know but I just wanted to believe I could get back in..!

I spoke to Santander to go through my transactions but she had a thick Scottish accent and I couldn't understand some bits so really I need to visit my local branch - 15 miles away. The suggestion to use a cash machine which they made only gave me a balance so that didn't work either.... ggrrr!