About me:Back after a very long absence! Cant believe I've only written one review in nearly 2 years! Anyway ...
Member since:16.09.2001
Reviews:160
Members who trust:48
Review rated by 12 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This review received a counterstatement by a party concernedRead Comment
Due to other problems with banks I stumbled across the Halifax Cardcash account. Fifty pounds to open it, Solo Card, cheque book but no guarantee card, no overdraft, no spending over your limit. At first it sounded fantastic, being a student it meant I couldnt be tempted by offers of big overdrafts, etc. But the more I look into things the more worried I get. Firstly: the charges if it does refuse a Direct Debit or Cheque. £27.50 per item, that is extortinate. I'm sure there have been times when people have not made sure there is exactly enough for a DirectDebit, or the company takes it out early etc, but £27.50!!! The mind boggles. Secondly: They keep refusing Solo payments if I have under £10 in the account even if the charge is a lot less. Very embarressing scene in Argos last week. Standard procedure apparently.
Thirdly: So I went to get the £15.00 out that I needed for an item because a)my card was getting rejected for that amount, b) I could only draw amounts of tens out of the cash point. No problem I thought my old bank did this over the counter. To my absolute disgust I cannot withdraw less than £300 over the counter!! Again standard procedure. So they have my money and I cant get it, there is definately something wrong here. Fourthly: They take 4 days to clear a cheque on Cardcash Accounts, again no proper explanation, just standard procedure. So I put a cheque in on a Wednesday and cant get access to it till the next Tuesday. Hum Halifax dont like letting go of your money do they?
All in all, I do think the Halifax procedures leave a lot to be desired. For example a little old lady with a savings account asked for a cheque to be issued, or to take out enough money to pay her £30 gas bill and they wouldnt let her!! It was her money for Gods sake! and they wouldnt let her have it! In the end they persuaded her to come back and open a cheque account with book and guarantee card. The lady was obviously very confused at that point and just agreed. What kind of service is that to give to elderly confused people.
I suggest Halifax has a long look at its working practices and makes some changes
I'm a branch Manager at the Halifax so your op was interesting to read. If you are a student then you should ask to upgrade to the full student account as you get the full facilities - cheque guarantee, cheap overdrafts etc. If you get declined then appeal with more info e.g. if mom and dad are customers then play on family connection.
Hope your future dealings are better than this one!!
23.12.2001 13:56
interesting op.
06.12.2001 12:33
I'm a branch Manager at the Halifax so your op was interesting to read. If you are a student then you should ask to upgrade to the full student account as you get the full facilities - cheque guarantee, cheap overdrafts etc. If you get declined then appeal with more info e.g. if mom and dad are customers then play on family connection. Hope your future dealings are better than this one!!
06.12.2001 02:13
Nice op ~ I`ve had no problems with Halifax & thats after 6 years banking with them ~ Thanks Versatile :O)