Business banking
Discussion
I'm getting really fed up with my bank. I can't phone my bank directly to sort things out, because as usual I get through to a call centre in the Far East. For security reasons they need to know everything about me including my inside leg measurement! Even then I still can't get proper answers. I just want to pick up the phone speak to my manager (if I have one) and get sorted in less than 5 minutes!!!! I am considering changing, and see that the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) are offering totally free banking with the Co-op. Anyone any experiences of these? What I find really annoying, is that I have plenty of funds in both business and personal accounts, but running them is a nightmare. If I was in the red, I'm sure they would be able to contact me without problem. I am of course aware of internet banking, but don't really trust it. Any advice would be much appreciated.
I saw the FSB mailer about the Co-Op bank. Unfortunately they dont have a branch in my town.
I'm with HSBC and although I am in a small market town the branch does have a manager and he does have a private telephone line.................
I usually try and deal with Madras but if I get frustrated I will pick the phone up and speak to the manager direct.
Its worth bearing in mind that all high street banks are shite when it comes to business banking and I'm sure that the Co-Op are no exception.
I'm with HSBC and although I am in a small market town the branch does have a manager and he does have a private telephone line.................
I usually try and deal with Madras but if I get frustrated I will pick the phone up and speak to the manager direct.
Its worth bearing in mind that all high street banks are shite when it comes to business banking and I'm sure that the Co-Op are no exception.
I am with HSBC, and went into my branch yesterday. I could only speak to a lady on the 'service' desk. She shared my frustration, and commented that many are in the same boat as myself. When she couldn't get through to the main branch in town, and she tried many numbers many times, I just asked for the numbers myself to try later. She couldn't or would'nt give these to me. Alas I had to politely leave before I lost my temper.
Can I reccommend Halifax Bank of Scotland to you. Theyve been outstanding and if theres a problem you can always talk to a friendly helpful Scottish manager. All our needs are provided by their net banking so theres rarely a need to phone.
No fees either and interest on your money. Couldnt speak more highly of them.
www.bankofscotland.co.uk/business/
No fees either and interest on your money. Couldnt speak more highly of them.
www.bankofscotland.co.uk/business/
I'm with HSBC. It's true that when you ring the 'branch's' number you'll get some call centre. However, all branches have their own landline and if you ask the manager nicely they should give you this number. It's not made public knowledge as they don't have the staff to deal with everyone there.
I use Cater Allen Private Bank (formerly Flemmings Private Bank).
You use Royal Bank of Scotland branches for over-the-counter services and everything else is covered by post or phone banking.
When you phone up you always talk to a human (unless you choose to use their automated telephone banking service on a different number), they're always helpful and well-informed, and crucially the call centre is in the UK.
Banking is free up to a certain number of transactions per month, which is ideal for my business which has prediminantly small number / high value transactions.
You use Royal Bank of Scotland branches for over-the-counter services and everything else is covered by post or phone banking.
When you phone up you always talk to a human (unless you choose to use their automated telephone banking service on a different number), they're always helpful and well-informed, and crucially the call centre is in the UK.
Banking is free up to a certain number of transactions per month, which is ideal for my business which has prediminantly small number / high value transactions.
unrepentant said:
I saw the FSB mailer about the Co-Op bank. Unfortunately they dont have a branch in my town.
I'm with HSBC and although I am in a small market town the branch does have a manager and he does have a private telephone line................. .
I'm with them too, and, again, I have a direct line for someone who is able to actually fix things for me, and is authorised to do whatever I need done.
I'd assume if you are a good customer that you can ask for the same thing.
As a non-business customer, the "premier" account is very good in terms of having people to talk to who answer quickly, know what they are doing, and are able to help if anything ever needs sorting out.
UKBob said:
Lloyds Business banking (and telephone service) is awesome. Its a fast paced 'semi erotic for the business owner' guaranteed to satisfy affair! Best of the best if you ask me
Mmmm... I do the books for a company that uses Lloyds and frankly they appear to be s***e. The manager appears to randomly bounce cheques just because it would put them a penny overdrawn. On other days he will pass cheques that would put them several grand overdrawn. Completeley inconsistant and uncontactable by phone. So clearly it is down to personalities at the particular branch. UKBob, you are one of the lucky ones!!
I am with HSBC and am not satisfied.........the bank charges if you run cash thru your account are massive (£50 to either put in or withdraw £10K in notes).....the staff at the call centre in India are crap and some of their english language is rubbish....................I have heard great things about RBS, but no branches near me.
I am with HSBC and am not satisfied.........the bank charges if you run cash thru your account are massive (£50 to either put in or withdraw £10K in notes).....the staff at the call centre in India are crap and some of their english language is rubbish....................I have heard great things about RBS, but no branches near me.
Poorcardealer, yes that's just the position I'm in, but paying in £6 - 800 cash per week. As you say, it's costly. Because I can't contact them easily, I've started paying cash into my personal account, and writing a cheque from that to the business account. I realise I'm not supposed to do that, and if they cotton on to it they will contact me I presume. Then perhaps they will be able to talk to me. I'll play them at the same game.
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