Woolwich Building Society

Where do i begin? I started off sorting a mortgage off with Barclays where I was told I had a pre-approved limit, thus there was no question as to whether I would get the amount I asked for. Woolwich though, thought different. Their customer service is shoddy to say the least, I had to call them in order to find out a problem had been incurred a few days prior!! What gormless idiots do they employ! A quick phone call would have sufficed, but this happened 3 times! Very poor communication from their incompetent staff. The final straw was when I was told I already have a mortgage and thus they cannot assist me! I am a first time buyer and to be honest this experience has ...  Read the complete review

The Woolwich, as of 29th January 2007, charges £10 to write out a building society cheque for you when you want to pay a bill. Personally I think this is outrageous, why should I have to pay to spend my own money. If I have a bill to pay for £75 I have to spend £85. We all know that Barclays make millions out of unfair charges but £10 a cheque is over the ...  Read the complete review

We remortgaged with the Woolwich after being avised so to do by a person that we believed (at the time) was a good IFA. This was nearly 5 years ago. After almost a year, we hit the first financial problems that we'd ever had, and quickly found out just what a mistake we'd made. The staff at the Woolwich were not only completely unsympathetic to our problems, but were completely reluctant to try and help us out. All they were quick to point out was was the trouble that we'd be causing ourselves if we defaulted on any payments. They wouldn't reduce the monthly payments, saying that they would just accrue then cause us to be blacklisted after 3 ...  Read the complete review

I have recently changed lender from the Halifax to the Woolwich. The Woolwich looked good, no fees, low payments etc, compared to higher rates at the Halifax. But let me tell you saving money isn't everything especially when you realise your not. My first payment was due on the 16th December and I was advised of this is November 02, at this point I called and asked if I could pay every 25th as this was my pay day. A very helpful gent said no problem, cancel your direct debit and set up a standing order and as long as it's paid within that month there's not a problem. I even followed up with a letter, to which I didn't get a reply but as ...  Read the complete review

Definately the worst - Advantages: Part of Barclays group - Disadvantages: Branch staff & managers have no authority, If you ask staff anything, they have to phone head office to check, You can never speak to a real person when you phone Woolwich for help