Which bank has UK based call centres only?

[Fleegle]

I'm fed up with speaking to Peter from Mumbai every time I have a problem with my account. They always sound so bored which wires me up

After 30 years with LTSB, I've had enough. I don't want to speak to either machines or brainwashed Asians who can't vere off their script, leaving me frustrated.

Any suggestions?

[Du1point8]

HSBC Advanced account has.

I pay a little for the privilege, but no more arguments.

[nellystew]

I think First Direct still do

[qureshia]

Tesco bank (no current accounts though)

[Motorheat]

Really? I must admit that I don't do a lot of telephone banking but with Lloyds I've always spoken to somebody from the UK (usually with a Welsh or Scottish accent). Same experience with Santander too.

[NDA]

Coutts & Co.

[Skyedriver]

Not a bank but an on line shop.
wife: we live on the Isle of Skye
her: we do not deliver to the Isle of Wight
wife: but we live on the Isle of Skye
her: we do not deliver to the Isle of Wight
wife: I said we live on the Isle of Skye
her: we do not deliver to the Isle of Wight
wife puts phone down and swears

[NDA]

Not a bank.... But NHS Direct

"My son has been hit in his groin playing rugby and continues to feel unwell"
"How did he hit his head?"
"He hasn't hit his, head. He was hit in the groin"
"Does his head hurt?"
"There's nothing wrong with his head"

....and so on.

Took him to A&E in the end.

[Steve Evil]

First Direct definitely does, can't fault them really, always been very helpful.

[bsc8180]

Another vote for First Direct. All UK based and open 24 hours I believe.

[illmonkey]

+1 for FD. less than a ring to their freephone number and you're talking to someone in England, who can do most things, no swapping departments.

Their online banking isn't great, but it continues to improve.

[S6PNJ]

Fleegle said:

I'm fed up with speaking to Peter from Mumbai every time... After 30 years with LTSB, I've had enough...

Ha Ha Ha, I've just been in this situation, so I voted with my feet, left Lloyds after 23 years and am now with First Direct. As others have said, their telephone service is second to none - no automated call stuff (press 1 for this, 2 for that) just plain english speakers who answer after 1-2 rings! Very quick, courteous and efficient. There is a reason they were the highest performing bank for consumer satisfaction (IIRC).

[jeff m2]

I have often wondered about the wisdom of screwing with somebody who has the fiscal ability equivalent of spitting on your burger .

Far better to irritate someone with less power.

Off topic slightly, how is Metro Bank doing (Vernon Hill) He used to own Commerce Bank in the US which had bend over backwards customer service.
His wife was also the architect for the new branches but that's another story

[M777CUS]

Barclays premier.

[NNH]

Motorheat said:

Really? I must admit that I don't do a lot of telephone banking but with Lloyds I've always spoken to somebody from the UK (usually with a Welsh or Scottish accent). Same experience with Santander too.

Agreed. So far as I'm aware, all Lloyds (and Halifax, Bank of Scotland, etc) customer service calls are handled in the UK. Collections calls, on the other hand, are mostly offshore.

[bearman68]

First Direct are very very good, superbly wonderful, and hugely recommended, and all UK based. (at least when I talk to them they sound UK based)

Halifax should be kicked in the nuts until they fall down (IMO)

[Fleegle]

Thanks for all the replies.

The call I made to LTSB was definitely offshore - they handled the call initially and recorded my complaint before handing me over to Dawn in the UK - who actually emitted more of 'I couldn't give a fk' attitude than Peter did.

The reason for my compliant was over zealous security measures (blocking transactions) when a simple look through previous transactions would have indicated a pattern in my spending. One was actually to a utility company that has gone out in May for the last 6 years from the same account

I might have a look at First Direct's info

[ringram]

Or smile & the coop..

From their website: "Customer Contact Centres are based in Manchester, Leek, Stockport and Skelmersdale."

[0000]

NDA said:

Coutts & Co.

+1

[spikeyhead]

M777CUS said:

Barclays premier.

^^^This works well^^^ They answer the phone with "good morning Mr spikeyhead" when I call them.

ringram said:

Or smile & the coop..

From their website: "Customer Contact Centres are based in Manchester, Leek, Stockport and Skelmersdale."

I'd probably be able to understand Peter from Mumbai easier than half of those northerners.