I went into a real life bank today....

Ah, I sorted out my mortgage in the little Santander over your side, grannygravy.

I know it's progress, but I don't like it.

MissAdventure

I had to go into Santander a while back, and the person behind the counter told me they have plenty of customers who still prefer face to face appointments.
It was quite pleasant.

We haven’t got one bank or building society this side of the Bridge MissA just two Post Office counters inside shops, woefully inadequate.

I had to go into Santander a while back, and the person behind the counter told me they have plenty of customers who still prefer face to face appointments.
It was quite pleasant.

My nearest "real" bank is only 10 minutes ride but I dont drive.

A few years ago there was a mess up whereby the bank (who had taken over my former bank) had my birth date wrong so I failed the security on the phone. They told me I would have to go to the nearest branch with proof of ID. In vain I told them I was a disabled non driver. They did not want to know.

I had to get a taxi to the branch where I saw the manager. He encouraged me to put in a formal complaint which I did. Eventually (after threatening a complaint to the banking ombudsman) I got £150 as a "goodwill gesture" to cover my taxi fares and my "inconvenience".

Sometimes you just have to see people face to face.

That's an excellent idea Septimia.

Our post office will handle paying in cheques to various banks and another bank has a mobile van which comes to a side street once a week. You queue outside (in the rain) and everyone can hear your business. Here are the opening times!

MonClosed
Tues14:15-15:15
WedsClosed
ThursClosed
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

I can understand that the footfall in many bank branches doesn't warrant the branch staying open.

However, there are some things that really do need to be done face-to-face.

Why can't the banks, especially those in the same group, share premises? Each could have a counter, or even an office, open at certain times for the benefit of customers who need to speak to someone in person. Even if they didn't handle cash, at least you'd be able to sort out problems with accounts and so on.