Brilliant British Banking! (Barclays Bank)

Member Name: caravaningqueen

Product:	Barclays Bank
Date:	25/01/09 (138 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent on-line account management, plenty of branches around the UK,

Disadvantages: Call center a bit of a disappointment

I used to work for Barclays bank during my early twenties and that is when I opened a current account with them. It was just easy to have my wages paid into an account with the bank I worked, it also meant I had access to my money a lot quicker. Very important when you are out clubbing every weekend!

So, I have been a personal account holder for around 15 years.

***Opening the account***
Was very simple. I just had to fill in a form and take in two relevant pieces of identification. A couple of days later my account was open.

***Visa Debit***
Was the card linked to my account and what I found particularly useful was that it was extremely widely accepted and still is today. Free withdrawals from widely available cash machines also means that I can access my money in the UK and abroad.

***The Bank***
I have used a number of branches since opening my account, namely Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, Kinver and Hagley. On all occasions that I have ever used them the staff have been friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgable and efficient in carrying out any requests that I have had. If I have experienced any difficulties with payments or such, they have looked into the problem and got it sorted out quickly and easily.

**The Call Centre***
Now, this changed around ten years ago whereby it was centralised and since then I have to say I do not use it. I have found it difficult to get through to, often being kept on hold for long periods of time. Although the staff are helpful, there is clearly not enough of them.

***On-line banking with Barclays***
Due to the problems I experienced with the Call Centre of Barclays I decided, with broadband available to me, to sign up for internet banking. This was easy to do due to the fact that the website is simple, well laid out and easy to navigate.

Signing up was easy and all the information was quickly sent through to me by post. Further security questions and registering were required and although this can take a couple of weeks I personally think it is worth it to know that Barclays take internet fraud extremely seriously.

To manage my account now is very simple. I have all the details I require to log in and have to say running my account with Barclays is a pleasure.

I can log on as often as I require and only on a couple of occasions have I known site maintenance stop me from being able to access my account, however this has only lasted for an hour or so.

I can now transfer money to other accounts, pay someone, delete standing orders as well as open additional accounts.

***Opening a savings account***
I have also opened a savings account so that any spare cash I have can be transfered across and earn a little bit extra interest.

***Verdict***
I love Barclays!

Summary: Easy and simple banking