Appaling bank (Abbey National)

Member Name: sjo1jcl

Product:	Abbey National
Date:	15/05/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None I can see

Disadvantages: Too many to list - primarily, VERY slack customer care and bad communication

Abbey Abbey Abbey - oh how I hate you! What an appaling attitude to customer care they have: and such unconcerned, unempowered staff. Let me start at the beginning - about 20 years ago, when I was a mere 7 years old opening my very first 'Action Saver' account. I was promised a bronze certificate once I'd saved a certain amount. Did I get it automatically? No - i distinctly remember my mum having to ask for one in the branch. Now, 20 years later, having been a customer ALL THIS TIME, opening another e-saver with them in the meantime, I apply for my first credit card with Abbey (because it wouldn't charge for transactions abroad - not because I like them of course!), and they turn me down!! Now, let me tell you - my credit rating is absolutely fine. Too good perhaps. But that's not the point. You'd think after 20 years as a customer, they might honour my application, even if they didn't think they'd make any money out of me. I wrote a letter to complain about the lack of customer care. It's been 6 months and I still haven't received a response. They've also treated my other half really badly too - charging him for going overdrawn when he has told them umpteen times he wanted his overdraft disabled (so it was effectively impossible for him to withdraw more than he has). They said it had been done, it hadn't - and another £30 fine. Shame on you Abbey, shame on you!

Summary: Avoid if possible, but they do offer the most competitive product for you, use them then ditch them.