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

(7 Posts)
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Grammaretto Thu 28-Jul-22 16:37:48

So many branches have closed now so I only do online banking and have done for years.
I had reason to call the helpline yesterday and it was worse than useless. It is totally "automated" the robots asking you to speak your query which they never understand
So today I spent an hour on the bus to my nearest branch and was attended to immediately. The assistant apologised for all the hassle, paid my bill for me, was courteous and efficient.
If only we had more shops, banks, and services which employed real people and not robots.

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Septimia Thu 28-Jul-22 16:42:37

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.

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Grammaretto Thu 28-Jul-22 16:50:26

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

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biglouis Thu 28-Jul-22 18:01:04

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.

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MissAdventure Thu 28-Jul-22 18:05:09

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. smile

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GrannyGravy13 Thu 28-Jul-22 18:17:33

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. smile

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

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MissAdventure Thu 28-Jul-22 18:22:05

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.

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