UK bank account(s) closure

[Sparkle]

Thought this of interest as it mentions Nationwide amongst others.

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article ... -358065585

[Hotrodder]

Thanks for that link.

[niemeyjt]

To be honest, Barclays are a useless bunch of toerags. In sorting out my father's affairs, the only company that gave me problems was Barclays.

However, complain to the CEO - whoever he is now - you may find they offer you £200 compo - they did for me.

[MAD87]

To be honest, Barclays are a useless bunch of toerags.

You don't have to be shy about it, they are total tossers. The most I've ever got out of them is 50 quid.
I'm half expecting them to send another letter (à la Barclaycard a while back) saying "oops, we didn't mean it, you can keep your account".

[Nomoss]

I had no experience of Barclays until I tried to open an account with their new branch in Palma, Mallorca in 1985.
I and my business partner, both English, were starting a new venture there, and it seemed a good idea to have a bank which spoke our language.
As I was in England when we decided on the bank, so I visited the manager in the local Barclays branch, and asked him if he could open an account for me in Palma.
He said this would be no problem, but after checking, told me there was no branch there.
I told him there certainly was, as I had seen it, and told him the name of the street.
After several phone calls he agreed the branch existed, and said he could open an account as soon as he had references from my existing bank, which would take about a week.
"But my Lloyds bank is just over there, across the street" I said, pointing it out through the window, "You or I could go there now and get whatever you need"
He replied that it had to be done "through channels", and he had to write an official letter, so I left it at that.

Back again in Palma some time later, my partner said he had had better luck, had arranged to open an account, and had already transferred a large sum there. We made an appointment with the manager and went together to the bank.
When we arrived we were told the manager was out, but would return shortly.
After a very long wait the manager appeared, looking very hot and bothered, apologised for being late, and said he had been queuing at the Guardia Civil offices for the "Foreigner ID" number for his work permit.
This was issued by the GC, but few people wasted their own time getting it; anyone whose time is valuable, such as a bank manager, sent a representative to get it, and actually to do the whole process of getting a work permit.
This didn't do much to improve our impression of our new bank's organisational abilities.

My partner then asked if he could have the details of his new account, and a statement, but the manager told him they had not opened an account, and had put his money in a temporary holding account.

He went absolutely beserk. He had sent several thousand pounds, the interest in those days was much more significant than now, and he had gained none in the time since he had sent it. The manager also lost his cool, and they stood screaming at each other, to the amazement of the group of customers nearby.
He demanded and eventually got a cashiers cheque for his money, and we left, vowing never to even think again of banking with Barclays.

So I am not at all surprised at their latest performances.

[niemeyjt]

Well they are the indirect cause of the back injury I have had for the last 30 years. They messed up - no surprises - and put me overdrawn a month's salary (at a time fees were high). In panic I had to get all my paperwork and statements from a box on a high shelf. Twisting, reaching and lifting = how to mess up ligaments in your back.

[exile]

So having received my letter telling me my account will be closed in 6 months time, today I receive a new cheque book - with about 18 months worth still in the old one.

Before I close the account I am very tempted to send everyone I know who can pay in cheques without charge a cheque for 5p just to use up the cheques - and as a poke in the eye to Barclays.

[niemeyjt]

And maybe get them to reimburse you with a cheque also - that you can then pay in.

[manonthemoon2]

So having received my letter telling me my account will be closed in 6 months time, today I receive a new cheque book - with about 18 months worth still in the old one.

Before I close the account I am very tempted to send everyone I know who can pay in cheques without charge a cheque for 5p just to use up the cheques - and as a poke in the eye to Barclays.

[Sparkle]

Thought this may be of interest.

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article ... -358065585