Would never use them again

I needed the money quickly for an unexpected house purchase. They absolutely would not return the money to me early even though I offered to pay redemption charges or penalties. I almost lost the purchase that would have changed my family's lives. I... Read more

I needed the money quickly for an unexpected house purchase. They absolutely would not return the money to me early even though I offered to pay redemption charges or penalties. I almost lost the purchase that would have changed my family's lives. I explained all this in detail and they just would not listen. I am appalled. Its disgusting to treat people in such an inhumane way.

Reviewed on 29th April 2020

Nicola

An ok bank.

Ok bank. Not exemplary, just ok.

Reviewed on 16th December 2018

HonestJohn

Dont touch

Impossible to reach this so-called bank. Do yourself a favour and just stash under the mattress!

Reviewed on 26th March 2018

Jon

AVOID Cut rates when base rate falls but refuse to raise - Awful Bank

Retrospectively cut interest rates when base rate fell but refuse to raise the rate that was previously cut when the base rate rises. Not to be trusted bank

Reviewed on 15th November 2017

Anonymous

Insensitive

I accept they have a policy of no withdrawals, but this inflexibility has caused me much unhappiness. I would have paid their penalities and charges. I needed my money for buying a house (the date of entry was mixed up), but they refused. ... Read more

I accept they have a policy of no withdrawals, but this inflexibility has caused me much unhappiness. I would have paid their penalities and charges. I needed my money for buying a house (the date of entry was mixed up), but they refused. Nightmare.
Disgusting.

Reviewed on 2nd November 2017

David

Poor customer service

I wanted to open a 90 days ISA account as the interest rate they offered was attractive. I applied online and sent copies of my ID the next day as instructed. I hear nothing from them for 2 weeks so I rang them. They said they need me to send the... Read more

I wanted to open a 90 days ISA account as the interest rate they offered was attractive. I applied online and sent copies of my ID the next day as instructed. I hear nothing from them for 2 weeks so I rang them. They said they need me to send the original work permit or certified copy of the visa (as I am not a UK national) hence my application was on hold. I was thinking they could at least get back to me to tell me that rather than me calling them to find out. I then got my solicitor to certify my permit and sent it to them. AGAIN NOTHING. I rang them after a week and the lady tells me she will find out what is happening and will call me back. I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. They are completely waste of time. After all, I am glad I am not moving my money to them.

Reviewed on 25th October 2017

Noriko

Harsh treatment

I invested some money with this bank, unfortunately I made a very stupid mistake, I signed up for a 95 day notice account completely misunderstanding and thinking it meant I would lose 95 days interest . I tried to buy a house , signed the contract... Read more

I invested some money with this bank, unfortunately I made a very stupid mistake, I signed up for a 95 day notice account completely misunderstanding and thinking it meant I would lose 95 days interest . I tried to buy a house , signed the contract and then when I tried to withdraw the money I found out I cannot have the funds for three months. Eventually I was told if I could get a letter from my solicitor confirming my situation it would go to senior management for a decision. After 5 very stressful days of waiting I received a phone call telling me that the senior management team have decided that the terms and conditions are very clear. I had already offered to pay back all of the interest I have received which to my mind isn't such a bad deal for them - they've had my money for 7 months get any interest back, it's not like they are the losers. However they prefer to be rigid which will mean I lose the house, still have to pay solicitors fees - thanks for nothing Charter Bank I'll make sure to spread this experience far and wide.

Reviewed on 28th July 2017

Lesley Mitchell

Reduced interest rate without notice, but still require notice for closure of account

In August, Charter reduced the rate on its 120 day notice account with retrospective effect (the due before communication). This is in contrast with other "challenger" banks and other organisations with whom I have notice accounts. These... Read more

In August, Charter reduced the rate on its 120 day notice account with retrospective effect (the due before communication). This is in contrast with other "challenger" banks and other organisations with whom I have notice accounts. These organisations either gave advance notice of the reduction in rate corresponding to the notice period of the account OR allowed a short period during which the account may be closed (but not partial withdrawals made) if the change in interest rate was unacceptable. But Charter savings did not do this and refuse to budge on this.

Reviewed on 30th November 2016

C L

Cannot be trusted

Received an e-mail from Charter saying that the interest rate on my 60 day notice account had been reduced with immediate effect. No opportunity to withdraw my savings without penalty and no notice period so I am out of pocket. Gave notice to close my... Read more

Received an e-mail from Charter saying that the interest rate on my 60 day notice account had been reduced with immediate effect. No opportunity to withdraw my savings without penalty and no notice period so I am out of pocket. Gave notice to close my account as I cannot do business with a bank that would do this.

Reviewed on 23rd August 2016

Philip Woodhead

Dreadful systems lost my trust

Tempting interest rate, but the experience of application was dreadful in every way. The 'right hand' doesn't speak to the 'left hand' so I received multiple telephone calls from different departments saying conflicting things. The account was open,... Read more

Tempting interest rate, but the experience of application was dreadful in every way. The 'right hand' doesn't speak to the 'left hand' so I received multiple telephone calls from different departments saying conflicting things. The account was open, then it was not. Then it was, then it was different. Then 'not open yet' again. Eventually I lost all trust in their systems and asked for my money to be returned. All that followed was a very rude letter confirming my money would be sent soon. I would have put in much more effort for a couple of hundred grand if I was them. I will avoid this bank until they are mature enough to have systems that work. I just feel that I can't trust them until then.

Reviewed on 30th April 2016

Alan Clayton