The Underscore Archives

Tom - HSBC! If you travel why not try the 'worlds local bank'


On 16/12/09 11:13, "Tom Gidden" <tom at gidden.net> wrote:

> Oi _,
> 
> Barclays has pissed me off for what may be the final time.
> 
> After informing them via the "Use Debit Card Abroad" feature that I was going
> to be in Mexico for two weeks, they decided to block my card while I was in
> Mexico, apparently because it was being used in Mexico.
> 
> Since the other card I took with me (CaxtonFX) was having unrelated issues,
> this left me without access to money for a good chunk of my holiday.
> 
> Barclays then refused to do anything about it unless I called them during
> office hours, because apparently the internet isn't secure enough to have an
> "I am me, so unblock my card" feature, but they think yelling my security
> credentials into a payphone in a Mexican town centre is.
> 
> They then decided to rub it in by unblocking my card using the dates I entered
> in the "Use Debit Card Abroad" feature as a guide.
> 
> This isn't the first time I've threatened a full-on flounce at them, either.
> 
> 
> Anyway.  Desired features:
> 
> 1. Internet Banking usable on a Mac.  Non-negotiable.
> 
> 2. e-Savings Accounts (or similar).   In addition to my current account, I
> have a few other accounts that I set up through their internet banking system
> for free.  I can transfer money between them instantly.  This lets me divide
> my money between personal and work, savings and my "tax pot".
> 
> 3. A clue.
> 
> Any thoughts and recommendations (or horror stories) ?
> 
> 
> Much thankness,
> 
> Tom