RBS getting back to basics?

[Tim Barlow]

As we are so used to bad service from corporates, it is sad that good service becomes noteworthy. However credit, where credit is due.

1. Call at 8.40 this morning from my Business Relationship Manager at the Royal Bank to let me know that a direct debit (that I had forgotten about) was going to put my personal account over the limit. He just wanted to let me know that if I could transfer money in today then I would avoid charges. (Compare to the usual approach of letting things bounce and sending out a letter that gets to me five days later saying I have been charged, by which time a whole lot more charges have been racked up?)

2. Call local RBS branch to arrange transfer "Sorry Mr.Barlow, our systems are down at the moment, can I call you back in 20 mins?". 18 mins later, he's back on the phone and transfer completed 2 minutes later.

Thank you RBS, I hope this is the sign of things to come.

 

[Power Lunch Club]

...(Compare to the usual approach of letting things bounce and sending out a letter that gets to me five days later saying I have been charged, by which time a whole lot more charges have been racked up?) ...

Yup, a similar situtation happened to me....but your right credit when it is due...in this case they got it right...to phone you.

I think the one's that don't phone you are out to make money for the bank.

 

[stugster]

I wish I could say the same for Abbey. I just telephoned up today to enquire about the best way for me to take money from clients on a monthly basis (Direct Debit or Standing Order),the person on the other end of the phone (Daniel) was about as much use as a chocolate teapot. I had to literally try and draw answers out of him - which it shouldn't be like that.

My first question was generalised: How can I take money off my clients on a monthly basis. After hearing the cogs in his head grind to a halt, I prompted him with the possibilities of Direct Debit. The most information he gave me was a telephone number and website address for BACS. Guess what's on BACS's to-do list at number 1 for Direct Debit? Get in touch with your bank and ask about it.

 

[peteark]

YouTube - Monkey Dust Indian Call Centre

 

[peteark]

My HSBC saga goes something like this

I am about to leave Germany to take up residency in Holland, I call the bank to inform them of my plans. I arrive in Holland and cannot book into a hotel as both Visa cards (mine and the wife's) are not work, I call the bank to ask what the problem is, I was informed there was not a problem. We then try another hotel and go through the same fiasco, bear in mind we have closed our German bank accounts down. Eventually we find a cash machine and draw money from a UK account. The next morning I ring the branch and ask what's going on, I am informed our cards have been blocked because they have been compromised. I shout 'compromised, its in my pocket' I calmed down a little and then asked if they could elaborate, in a nice Punjab accent I am informed they cannot go into details but I will be issued with new cards. I ask, why was I told yesterday there was no issue with my cards, the line went quiet, I then asked for the reps this name, the phone went dead.

That was a year ago, since then we have moved to Norway where the same thing happened all over again, however I was well prepared this time with a wedge of cash. Since then my cards have been blocked half a dozen times. The 4 page dishing I gave them recently resulted in a £25 goodwill payment. I have no faith in the bank whatsoever, it's got that bad it's more humorous than annoying. I just take a full wallet everywhere and leave the flexible friend in the drawer

 

[stugster]

The Worlds Local Bank?

What it really means is that all the competent bankers are actually in their local! i.e. the pub!

 

[Tim Barlow]

Stugster - to avoid it getting lost in a "I hate/love my bank" thread. I have started a new thread: Taking monthly payments