Sorry 4 going missing all this time but I am very busy at the moment. Thanks 4 all who have left mes...
Sorry 4 going missing all this time but I am very busy at the moment. Thanks 4 all who have left messages in my GB :O) ..... Hope to have more time soon ... :O)
Member since:09.07.2001
Reviews:77
Members who trust:206
Barclays Bank is recognized worldwide; more so than any other bank. As all high street banks compete against each other each claiming to offer better interest rates, better saving accounts, better investments Barclays Bank continues to have a firm grip on the financial industry. Growing, expanding and always looking for ways to improve as they move with the times.
I have been a Barclay’s customer for more than 12 years, and after wondering from bank to bank and can easily say that there are not many banks out there that can better Barclay’s service and professional outlook. I am more than a satisfied customer, so satisfied that apart from a savings account I have in Halifax I have invested all my money with Barclays Bank. They are big fish in a competitive market that know what they doing, your finances could not be in better hands.
Current Account/Savers accounts: ********************************* My first account opened with Barclays Bank was a current account – opened it with £5. Since then my current account has become my main account where all transactions such as
wages, cheques, direct debits, standing orders, loans etc are credited or debited from. I also have an overdraft facility of £100 if ever I need it at no charge. You get your monthly statements but Barclays have also come up with a new type of statement call Quarterly update.
Quarterly update is a very detailed statement of the last three months of your current account. This statement is full of statistics that show your day to day spending, all direct debits, standing orders, pension accounts, credit cards etc… The statement shows the total amount of money paid in and paid out of your current account per calendar month – it also works out your average, highest, and lowest balance for the month. Put it this way it can make an interesting read when you actually see the total of what you spent that month. You even have a small bar graph that shows your expenditure for the last three months. This statement is easy to read and as all the information relates to you, the figures shown will be familiar – the layout is clear and the numbers are in large print. It’s a good way to monitor your finances and be in control – it’s a bit like getting a mini- statistical report on your finances every three months. Statements are always sent on time and all transactions debited or credited to my current account are done efficiently and without any problems. They keep me informed regularly – either of new services available or for any requests I have made.
Barclay-Call is another great scheme that Barclays have adopted – This is also relates to your current account but all transactions, balance up-dates etc … are done over the phone. The customer is given a Barclay-Call card that has your membership number; you are then given a five-digit password. When using Barclay-Call you are first told to key in your membership number and then you are told to key in any two of the five-digit password. The service is 24 hours - 7.00am to 11.00pm if you want to talk to someone in person, after 11.00pm it’s a machine. The hours are very reasonable as Barclays have made sure that customers have enough time to get home from work and to be able to do their banking in the evening. The phone service is quick – no messing you about and you are connected to an advisor instantly. Customer service is excellent, very polite and always looking to please. You can pay bills ranging from household bills to credit card bills. On-line Banking is another service available to customers, this is a 24 hours service and although I’m a member I have yet to used their on-line facility, therefore I cannot comment on this.
I have invested in a PEPS equivalent to an ISA`s ~ its tax-free and it was initially £6,000 to open one although the max has now changed to £8,000. You also have the option of paying a certain amount of money every month towards your ISA – although if you have the money I would advise that you invest it all in one go. You will reap the benefits far quicker and you don’t have to worry about it for at least five years or so. ISA`s fluctuate just like shares but in the long term they a very good investment. Barclays keep me posted every six months by writing a full report on how my units are doing. I am not kept in the dark about my investments – not like many banks/insurance companies who leave you wondering if they have done a runner with your money. They are a company you can trust.
Pension Plans: *************** Not so long ago Pension Plans were the thing to get – Why?? We are constantly being reminded that people live longer and the population is rising. There will come a time when the government will stop paying out state pensions. Most pension plans are offered to employees through work or you can always get a private pension. I have had a Pension Plan with Barclays for almost five years now, investing £22 per month. I am 32 now and so it will be a while before I see that money – but at least I’ve started doing one and know that I have done something positive towards my retirement. You cannot rely on government money as things are only looking to get worse. Barclays send me a statement once a year, keeping me up to date with all transactions and the value of the pension.
Credit cards: ************* As a Barclay’s customer you can also apply for a Barclays/Master credit card. Barclays also offer you a Visa/Delta card that makes buying goods easy. Delta cards are also connected to you current account where the money is automatically debited from you current account when purchasing goods – unlike credit cards where you are buying goods on credit and you are sent a monthly bill.
Bottom Line: ************ For me Barclays can compete with any bank and win by a mile – Never encountered any series problems, a satisfied customer for more than 12 years and they offer all the financial services I need. Professional outlook in every way and most importantly a recognized and respected company that I can trust with my money. Customer service is excellent both on the phone and in person – Most Barclay branches are big with all the financial advice you need under one roof. The staff are polite and always ready to offer alternative ways of investing – always looking out for the interest of the customer.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Efficient, Good Variety of products, Best offered Cash ISA 2 years running Disadvantages: Try and sell you products that are not always beneficial to you.
BTreyo 18.04.2008 (18.04.2008)
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