I know the forum doesn't allow to "name and shame" so I will keep this cryptic. Has anyone else got an account with a u.k bank which has been taken over by a spanish bank (I hope that's cryptic enough), and if so, have they noticed that the standard of service has deteriorated from "excellent" to " incompetent?". I have had several accounts with this bank over 17 years and never had cause for complaint. Over the last 6 months they seem to have become incapable of getting [I]anything[I] right

I won't bore you with the details but the most recent problem has been a simple request which they promise they will do then - twice so far - fail to do. I phone them to check and am told (does this sound familiar?) yes the details have been changed on the computer so I promise you the mistake will not happen again.

I am about to approach their complaints department - fingers crossed!

I have been with this bank for about 13 years. 6 months ago I could not get access to my online account. When I telephoned the customer services I was told that this was my OH account and I did not have access - when I told the person on the end of the phone this was a joint account, my salary went in and my husband did not use it - the man laughed as if to say I was lying. I ended up driving 30 mile to my local branch with my debit card, cheque book etc. the lady at the branch could give no explanation other than perhaps I had been wiped off in error. No apologies and to be perfectly honest I got the impression nobody gave a toss so good luck with your quest.

sorry meant to say this was with the UK bank not the spanish side.

Santander, right? They are crap, and avoid the Unicaja as well.

I think it´s not allowed to name and shame persons, but these are banks not people. Although many mistakes have been made by people working at these banks (in my town).

Their Customer Service / Telephone Service is rubbish...the few problems we've had always cause alot of stress. It doesn't help having their call centres in India.

I never had a high regard for them before they were taken over. Why not switch to another bank?

Last year we had a letter saying they had charged us £25 for being overdrawn
Very interesting as there was over £800 in the account.
Actually got an apology and £25 goodwill gesture.

Found out lately they had not stopped a standing order for over 2 months, therefore overdrawn, used £200 overdraft, they took 3 x £25 charges out.

2 phone calls later, told them they should have stopped it, they never apologised but refunded the charges. Another statement today and another charge of £11.50, rang again. Charges refunded. Asked about a goodwill gesture as it has taken time and money to sort this out apart from getting stressed out. Has given me £5 for phone calls!

This is the best part, apparently they only give a goodwill gesture once in every 12 months, and I'd had it last September. When I pointed out that it was their error, not mine, and what happened if this occured again within the 12 month period, she said I could write a complaint letter!

Priceless

We've recently transferred our bank account to them ................. ooops

.

Switch to Nationwide for cash back. A+L also give more cash back, but I would not recommend them

I probably will next time i am in the u.k. My son speaks very highly of Nationwide.

You will struggle to open an account with them without being a resident.

Now, of course, Santander...

Mike, off topic, Your avatar ???? Can we see a larger picture of that?

Just a still from a 'carry on' film.