Banks - Make the change - its worth it.

Now I have covered the poor, sorry damn near no customer service offered by my former bank Barclays Bank Plc. However compare that to my dealings with my new bank today.

First off the good news: This is how customer service is supposed to be.
I called up to ask if my wages went in and if so could they just confirm the amount and balance figure for me. Got through to a woman who went through the usual security questions,fair enough needs to be done - she also said that she would send me out bits on online banking and how to access that, well done her - then pointed out that as it was a new account she could not access any details.

She then said for me to hang on, she would call my local branch and see if she could speak to someone there, even though that branch did not open till 9AM.(I called about ten minutes before nine.) Within a minute or two someone else came on(from my local branch), said her co worker had explained the situation, then she then actioned my request.

Had a quick chat to her, asked a few questions which she answered fully and in plain English, said if I needed any more info she could pop some bits in the post or pop in to see her at the local branch.

Needless to say after the prevarication by Barclays Bank Plc on almost each and every call/subject, this was somewhat of a surprise, a rather pleasant one and to be fair I feel that they now have my business.

Now an example of bad news: This is how Barclays treat customers.
A quick call to bank. After a minute or three selecting options, I pick the one to get me through to a "customer services" person, then another wait. Interrupted by a message trying to sell me crap. Finally the call is picked up, this is where the fun begins.

Go through the security questions, all well and good. I then ask for a balance figure and also chase up a few other queries(ok complaints) that I had left with them before. I get a balance figure after some huffing on her part- also get some attitude and the feeling that she would rather be painting her toenails or some such.

When I dare to ask about another query she asks a few questions and then begins to dictate the banks policy, whilst I am still talking to her. Re previous post on this:

A routine call to one of their callcentres on Wednesday morning got me through to some woman who could only be described in two words which are condescending and demeaning. After a quick chat with her - when I could get a word in that is - I decided that this was the straw that broke this particular camels back. Well having had a fairly shit week and it only being Wednesday I had decided that enough was enough.

Well then rather than actually help matters, Ms condescending and demeaning carried on . I asked to be transferred, no. Not have a number, not a transfer. Just no. So I hung up on her. Needless to say other calls that week were as fruitless, no information, I need to speak to someone else, we can't deal with it, no taking charge what so ever.

Thus they now have lost a customer, or rather 4 now. My better half is in the process of closing her account, plus two people I know have said they are telling Barclays "Thanks but no thanks."

Previous bits on banks and some tags:
http://newportcity.blogspot.com/2007/02/cry-freedom-escape-from-barclays-bank.html
also:
http://newportcity.blogspot.com/2007/02/barclays-bank-still-cunts-even-now-i.html
check out this site. http://www.chargeclaims.co.uk/

http://newportcity.blogspot.com/2007/02/cry-freedom-escape-from-barclays-bank.html

http://www.blagger.com/db4/company_id/130/companyname/Barclays.html

http://www.litsl.com/miscellaneous/poor_customer_service/barclays_bank_barc_the_woolwich.html

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Barclays_Bank__Review_5133047

http://www.teneric.co.uk/forums/finance-forum/business-banking-complaints-4719.html

http://www.grumbletext.co.uk/vt.php?t=108

http://www.barclaystory.com/

Tags: Barclays Bank
Banking
Finance
Newport Gwent

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