Do they really want my custom? (Abbey National)

Member Name: mrdave2606

Product:	Abbey National
Date:	11/04/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helpful in the branch

Disadvantages: Internet and telephone services seem awful

My first experience with Abbey was in April last year. I was looking at moving my ISA to an account with a much better interest rate than what I was currently earning. After spending time researching sites on the Internet, I found what I thought was the account for me, an Abbey Direct ISA.

I visited the Abbey website, and filled out their detailed application form. I was then given a message that I would receive some items in the post within seven days. Seven days passed, and nothing arrived. Another seven days, and still nothing. So I gave Abbey a call, only to be put on hold for 15 minutes, and then told that they were very busy at that time and they would call me back tomorrow. 3 days passed, and no phone call back. So I called Abbey again, and exactly the same thing happened, they were busy, but no phone call back. Then exactly the same scenario happened again!

So, very annoyed, I went in to the Abbey branch to open my account. I was then given an appointment, and finally, my account was open.

My dad had a very similar experience to the above also.

I think that Abbey really need to take a look at their online and telephone services, or else that could be the next big bank in trouble.

Summary: I would personally look at alternative options before banking with Abbey