Banks ain't what they used to be.

barbar

I though I'd share my experiences and maybe get a feeling as to whether it is just me being grumpy of whether others feel the same way.

I was with HSBC (well still am technically as I haven't actually closed the account). for many years. I was always well impressed with them but in the past couple of years have really noticed that loyalty has disappeared and they really want to squeeze every penny out of you. The number of years as a customer and the way you handle the account is irrelevant. The only concern seems to be "how much money will you make them in the future". I feel as though I am not valued as I am careful and don't run up charges, try not to go overdrawn and always pay off the credit card when possible to avoid interest.

So I moved to A&L. So far I have no complaints with regard to customer service unlike others, but, I cannot use the on-line banking service at all.

I transferred some money from 1 A&L current account to another A&L current account. On the same day I transferred money to my daughter who banks with another bank. My daughter actually got the money first. there is no consistency with the time it take to transfer.

I transfered some money from one A&L savings account to an A&L current account which is instant (but only for a single nominated account not all) I then paid a bill from the current account which had enough money in it because I had just transferred from the savings. I specifically did it that order to ensure that i was always in credit. Then miraculously the payment appeared on my statement before the transfer from the savings meaning that I went massively overdrawn.

The available balances never make sense, currently in one account I have 3 different balances showing and to make matter worse money I have transferred between A&L accounts has not appeared in one but is not showing as pending. It means you have to keep another set of accounts just to keep track of your money. HSBC was always instant for any transaction between HSBC accounts.

Money take days to transfer and does not seem to be consistent.

I used to pay all of my DD at the beginning of the month, when I moved to A&L I changed all of the account details to the new bank, now because transfer between accounts take so long I have to actually go to the branch and transfer the money physically to ensure that my the DDs are covered.

There is never anyone serving at A&L (well 1 person in reality). I just get the impression that they have never made the transition to a proper bank and are really still a provincial building society.

Rant over!!!!!

But is it just me.

viking30

I remember the days when if you needed an overdraft or anything you called the branch where your account was held and actually spoke to the manager. He/she knew you and you knew them. They were able to give you on the spot answers and advice.
The good old days? i think so

I also remember when HSBC was called The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.

RayWolfe

Ah, but those "good ol' days" were when we were charged for having a bank account.

jonesMUFCforever

And in those good old days it was unheard of customers actually wanting charges back when in most cases it is their own fault that they have been incurred in the first place!

Fedz

I remember going into my local YBS in the village as a kid and I knew the tellers name and she knew mine and was always greeted using my first name

The same teller was their for over 10 years I went in ... I should go back and see if she's still their :rotfl:

brookerbabyisababy

I have to admit HSBC and First Direct are very good with the online banking. They have won numberous awards. However its true that you pay for what you get.

brookerbabyisababy

I have to admit HSBC and First Direct are very good with the online banking. They have won numberous awards.

Dylanwing

RayWolfe - In those days most customers still got free Banking. The great benefit was that charges were reviewed manually, and made to fit the crime. The norm was to charge once per day regardless of number of items being returned, and excessive/ unaffordable charges were scaled down.
Ejones - Charges were often refunded. The customer made a case, somebody in the Branch had a look, and if it was unfair or excessive, it was refunded.
I would say that Banks did used to provide a far better service, and the trade off was the trust of your customers, making marketing of products much easier. Unfortunately, the suits took over, and the relentless quest for profits became the sole target. Happy days when I joined Nat West, Punk still ruled, reality TV had not been thought of and Bristol City were in the top division. And who can remember who topped he charts with Uptown Top Ranking?

dunstonh

but in the past couple of years have really noticed that loyalty has disappeared and they really want to squeeze every penny out of you.

Which came first, chicken or egg?

What went first, consumer loyalty or retailer loyalty?

They are in it to squeeze money out of us and we are in it to squeeze money (or services for as low cost as possible) out of them.

Mark7799

Dylanwing wrote: »

And who can remember who topped he charts with Uptown Top Ranking?

Althea & Donna?:D

gt94sss2

barbar wrote: »

I was with HSBC (well still am technically as I haven't actually closed the account). for many years. I was always well impressed with them but in the past couple of years have really noticed that loyalty has disappeared and they really want to squeeze every penny out of you. The number of years as a customer and the way you handle the account is irrelevant. The only concern seems to be "how much money will you make them in the future". I feel as though I am not valued as I am careful and don't run up charges, try not to go overdrawn and always pay off the credit card when possible to avoid interest.

So I moved to A&L. So far I have no complaints with regard to customer service unlike others, but, I cannot use the on-line banking service at all.

Is it just me or do you then go and spend the rest of your post [SIZE=-1]criticising[/SIZE] A&L being crap compared to HSBC? (including their branch service and on-line banking)

Its not a surprise though - many people think A&L are a bit crap.

FWIW most banks including A&L insist that money for bill payments and direct debits be in the current account the day before the day leaves your account - HSBC are one of the few who do not insist on this and will infact even allow your account to go 'temporarily' overdrawn as long as you are in credit by the end of the day..

Regards
Sunil