Close Brothers reviews

Close Brothers reviews
Verified businesses always have up to date contact details and can respond to reviews.
Review summary
People rate this company as Average based on 136 product reviews
Latest positive rating
Easy to register online and immediate response and c...
Easy to register online and immediate response and confirmation. Clear instructions and swift mailed paperwork

Latest negative rating
Faulty Vans, and Still No Resolution
I run a small business and in 2023 I entered into a finance agreement with Close Brothers through Vanaways for two brand‑new Maxus Deliver 9... I run a small business and in 2023 I entered into a finance agreement with Close Brothers through Vanaways for two brand‑new Maxus Deliver 9 vehicles. From the start it has been a nightmare. Both vans arrived late and already damaged on the front bumpers and doors. Within weeks, one van developed a clutch and gearbox fault, went into the garage for repair, came out, and then blew its gearbox again. That van was off the road for around four months. The second van later developed the same gearbox fault. I was actually told to keep driving it until it failed — I refused to risk my team’s safety. Courtesy vehicles were only provided for the final nine weeks of that downtime. For the rest of the time, I had no choice but to hire vans at my own cost just to keep my business running. Between finance payments of £700+ VAT per van and hire costs of over £2,000 a month, I’ve been forced to pay thousands on top of a finance agreement for vehicles I cannot use. I formally rejected the vans in May 2024, but over a year later Close Brothers is still taking payments. This dispute has now dragged on for well over a year, during which time I’ve been passed from person to person with no real resolution. The only “solution” offered was via Vanaways — to hand the faulty vans back and start a brand‑new finance deal for replacements, with no refund of all the payments I’d already made. In plain terms, I would be paying twice, while Close Brothers and Vanaways protected their profits. This has nearly folded my company. I’ve carried the entire financial hit, while Close Brothers and Vanaways continue to be paid. If you’re reading this thinking about applying for finance with Close Brothers or Vanaways to help your small company: don’t. Because if problems arise, Close Brothers will always protect its partners and brokers — and leave the small business owner to carry the cost. Read more Read less

About Close Brothers
Since 1878, Close Brothers have offered "modern merchant banking" provide lending, deposit taking, and wealth management services. If you're looking to see whether Close Brothers offer the right financial services for you, read our reviews below to see what our community is saying. Or if you've had a good or bad experience with Close Brothers in the past, please share your own review and insight of this company.
Close Brothers at a glance
Reviews for Close Brothers
Showing 11 of 136 company reviews • Last reviewed within 7 days
Faulty Vans, and Still No Resolution
I run a small business and in 2023 I entered into a finance agreement with Close Brothers through Vanaways for two brand‑new Maxus Deliver 9... I run a small business and in 2023 I entered into a finance agreement with Close Brothers through Vanaways for two brand‑new Maxus Deliver 9 vehicles. From the start it has been a nightmare. Both vans arrived late and already damaged on the front bumpers and doors. Within weeks, one van developed a clutch and gearbox fault, went into the garage for repair, came out, and then blew its gearbox again. That van was off the road for around four months. The second van later developed the same gearbox fault. I was actually told to keep driving it until it failed — I refused to risk my team’s safety. Courtesy vehicles were only provided for the final nine weeks of that downtime. For the rest of the time, I had no choice but to hire vans at my own cost just to keep my business running. Between finance payments of £700+ VAT per van and hire costs of over £2,000 a month, I’ve been forced to pay thousands on top of a finance agreement for vehicles I cannot use. I formally rejected the vans in May 2024, but over a year later Close Brothers is still taking payments. This dispute has now dragged on for well over a year, during which time I’ve been passed from person to person with no real resolution. The only “solution” offered was via Vanaways — to hand the faulty vans back and start a brand‑new finance deal for replacements, with no refund of all the payments I’d already made. In plain terms, I would be paying twice, while Close Brothers and Vanaways protected their profits. This has nearly folded my company. I’ve carried the entire financial hit, while Close Brothers and Vanaways continue to be paid. If you’re reading this thinking about applying for finance with Close Brothers or Vanaways to help your small company: don’t. Because if problems arise, Close Brothers will always protect its partners and brokers — and leave the small business owner to carry the cost. Read more Read less
Easy to register online and immediate response and c...
Easy to register online and immediate response and confirmation. Clear instructions and swift mailed paperwork
Products from Close Brothers
Car Finance
by Close BrothersClose Brothers offer car finance for both new and used cars, vans and motorbikes across the UK. If you've taken out a car finance policy, you too can leave a...
Car Finance
by Close BrothersClose Brothers offer car finance for both new and used cars, vans and motorbikes across the UK. If you've taken out a car finance policy, you too can leave a...
Investments
by Close BrothersRead Close Brothers investments reviews on Smart Money People, the UK's 1 independent financial services review site. If you're looking specifically for Close Brothers reviews, see what insight our community...
Investments
by Close BrothersRead Close Brothers investments reviews on Smart Money People, the UK's 1 independent financial services review site. If you're looking specifically for Close Brothers reviews, see what insight our community...
Retail Finance
by Close BrothersLooking for Close Brothers retail finance reviews? See what people like you, who have used this service before thought, in our Close Brothers retail finance reviews below. With so many...
Retail Finance
by Close BrothersLooking for Close Brothers retail finance reviews? See what people like you, who have used this service before thought, in our Close Brothers retail finance reviews below. With so many...
Business Loans
by Close BrothersRead Close Brothers business loans reviews on Smart Money People, the UK's #1 independent financial services review site. If you're looking specifically for Close Brothers reviews, see what insight our...
Business Loans
by Close BrothersRead Close Brothers business loans reviews on Smart Money People, the UK's #1 independent financial services review site. If you're looking specifically for Close Brothers reviews, see what insight our...
We are Smart Money People
Join 2 million active users who make better financial decisions with the power of reviews.
Create an accountProtecting trust by verifying companies and reviewers
The only site that specialises in financial services
Providing everyday people with a voice