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Aviva: Pension reviews

Name: Pension
Rating: 1.99 (153 reviews)

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1.91

Based on 153 reviews, last reviewed 1st Nov 2024

500% increase in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

No new 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

18%

70%

Latest highest rating:

5

Good experience good Customer service on the telephone. Good experience good Customer service on the telephone. Competent customer service rep. Reviewed on: 1st November 2024

Latest lowest rating:

1

45 min on hold and still waiting to whitdraw 500 pou... 45 min on hold and still waiting to whitdraw 500 pounds Reviewed on: 1st October 2024

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About this product

Aviva offer a self-invested personal pension (SIPP).

There are five ways to invest in the Aviva SIPP. You can decide between the Universal Retirement Fund, a ready-made fund or choose an option from a fund shortlist provided by experts. You can also build your own portfolio or buy and sell shares and investments.

Aviva pension reviews share what it's like to have this pension. If you've used Aviva before, you can also leave your own review.

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Aviva Pension reviews (153)

Shocking service when requesting pension lump sum payment

I have been trying since last September to take my pension as a lump sum. They sent me the same initial pack 3 times, I had various phone calls which produced nothing, finally I was told I had to have a long detailed conversation with an Aviva agent before I could be sent the necessary form to take my pension - and then when I eventually received the form and returned it in January, the money did not arrive. I am still chasing weekly and am just told each time that they will escalate it - I think they need to check the meaning of the word escalate. I had taken lump sums before Aviva took over Friends Provident, who were so much more efficient. If you are requiring your pension lump sum by a certain date, you will be in trouble if you invest with this company. The Ombudsman needs to take action and get this useless company to sort themselves out pronto. Reviewed on: 7th April 2021

Worse than HMRC

Have been trying for days to get hold of someone on the freephone numbers given- as I’ve been messaged to say I can’t use their online system for details on my pension. Have tried for several HOURS each to get through when they say the wait is 20 minutes and then you wait over 30 minutes and are then cut off on each occasion. Absolutely the worst insurance company I deal with and I deal with a few because of various pensions I have. They are an absolute disgrace and I’m very close to complaining to the Ombudsman but I doubt whether they would get an answer either. Avoid at all costs - I’ll be transferring my money as soon as I can get through so may take some time Reviewed on: 6th April 2021

Useless

Useless, tried to transfer a previous company pension into an existing company pension with Aviva. Kept asking for the same information and giving me instructions to transfer on line which didn’t tie up with anything. And then when I queried it we would go round in the same circle again. Avoid, useless. Reviewed on: 31st March 2021

Refused to pay my lumpsum payment

I am sure this is a company run by the most dishonest people. They made it impossible to claim the money that is rightfully yours. They promised from forms that never arrived, direct you to unmanned phones, complain never get any way, never return calls. Dont think of joining this company you will only lose your money with no redress. The worst company I ever deal with, corporate criminals Reviewed on: 9th March 2021

CLUELESS - avoid

Despite having friendly customer service people - they are CLUELESS. I had the misfortune to attempt to transfer two pensions away. Pension 1) they transferred the incorrect amount then lost the lot - much fruitless chasing followed...several zero responses. Huge amounts of stress. Pension 2) They tell you one thing over the phone, and 3 weeks later they email you and tell you they can't actually do what they've promised. They then supplied me incomplete information to do the alternative... I cannot wait until I have successfully transferred away from them. It appears the phone operators are not given access to the info they need to adequately communicate with the customers. This leads to a lot of misinformation and stress. AVOID if you possibly can. Reviewed on: 4th March 2021

Great dashboard

Very easy to move money around. Clear, simple and accessible, perfect for SIPPs! Reviewed on: 23rd February 2021

Slow patronising

Trying to take my 25 per cent tax free . May take up to 10 days to send forms by email. Compare to partner who cashed in Scottish Widows pension in less time. Talk to you as if your a helpless dolt. Go somewhere else. Reviewed on: 5th February 2021

AVIVA Refuses to Pay Pension

I have been a pension holder with Aviva for over 30 years. I am entitled to receive my pension money on turning 55, however, after completing numerous forms and calling AVIVA from Australia numerous times, I keep getting told to fill in more forms. I have advised AVIVA I want the lump sum paid to my UK bank account at age 55 in March 2021. Alas, although I provided this declaration complete with my UK bank account details, I learn more forms are required to be completed to receive a quote, then more forms to let them know how I should spend my pension. Come on AVIVA, if you want more interest off my money, then just say so. If you are considering AVIVA, look at the 1 STAR review.....Don't bother. Reviewed on: 2nd February 2021

Refusing to give me my tax free lump sum

Aviva is refusing to give me my tax free lump sum of 25% I applied after reading my options, and despite being retired, they are refusing to give me this. The first reason was because I can’t use the internet (I can, I do all my banking and investments online). Then it changed to they don’t believe I understand what I am asking for! Unbelievable. I left a comment on Facebook, which got a pretend sympathetic response, but despite me messaging twice, at their request, there has been no response. Avoid this company like the plague. We are now preparing a file for the Ombudsman. What do we save to a pension fund for? Yes, for when we retire. I am retired, and they refuse point blank to give me my money. Reviewed on: 1st November 2020

Recommend Aviva

I have two pensions, one with Aviva and the other with Scottish Widows (Clerical Medical). By comparison over the 20 year investment, sharing of information, past and current customer service and commitment, Aviva, are flawless. They are recommended. Reviewed on: 28th September 2020

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