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Harpenden Building Society: Savings reviews

4.21
Based on 415 reviews, last reviewed 17th Dec 2025
90% decrease in 5 star reviews
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Latest highest rating:

4

I received a telephone call yesterday for a request... I received a telephone call yesterday for a request regarding a charity donation nomination Found this quite surprising but if you do need an answer ... Read more Reviewed on: 12th December 2025
C W F's avatar
C W F

Latest lowest rating:

1

Surprise interest rate drop I opened an ISA this October, understanding it was an interest rate of 4.35%. Just checked today and it is 1.6%. Was not told about this, unlike othe... Read more Reviewed on: 17th December 2025
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Valerie B

About this product

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Harpenden Building Society Savings reviews (415)

Review of the Harpenden Building Society, Savings:

More detailed clarity needed - Open an ISA

3
The process was unclear; firstly the ISA product stated "PAYMENT OF INTEREST - Payment Type Into My Savings Account". I had to clarify that this meant the ISA savings account I was opening and NOT my existing savings account. ie; the interest will become part of the ISA. Then once opened, the acknowledgement letter stated "Your current variable rate of interest...", when in fact it was a Fixed rate of interest. Thirdly, the whole process of making an ISA Transfer into the HBS ISA account was cumbersome; it was not an electronic process, so a form had to be completed by hand. It was then not clear where the form had to be sent. eg; by email or a visit to the branch or by post to Head Office. In the end I sent it by email and also took it to the branch. To be fair, it was processed very quickly but still not sure if it was the email version or the hand delivered version that was acted upon. The process just needs a little more attention to detail. Reviewed on: 2nd September 2024
Reply from Harpenden Building Society Hi Donian, Thank you for your feedback and I'm sorry to understand that you have been disappointed with the process of opening your account and the ISA transfer process. I can empathise with your frustrations around the process and we are working hard with our software provider to enhance the user experience and we are confident that this will improve. I am pleased to understand that the end result was good, but take on board that there are improvements to be made. If we can be of any further assistance to you in this matter please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind regards, Emma Sinclair Senior Savings Operations Manager Response date: 6th September 2024
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
Amazing helpful what ever deal thing I did. (Diana). Reviewed on: 4th September 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society This is great to read, thank you for your feedback. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 18th December 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
The new lady was very friendly and helpful. Reviewed on: 4th September 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society This is great to read, thank you for your feedback. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 18th December 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

Why saving rates keep falling but mortgages do not?

1
Very poor practice at this BS. They keep reducing savers rates ( twice in the last two months) but not the mortgage interest. Their Standard Variable rate is completely arbitrary. Reviewed on: 1st September 2025

good speaking to Anya and very helpful, much better...

5
good speaking to Anya and very helpful, much better than digital conversations etc Reviewed on: 29th August 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society Hi Alan, thanks for your review. I'm please we were able to help and i will pass your feedback to Anya who I am sure will be delighted. Thanks once again, Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 1st September 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

Excellent Customer Service

5
Excellent Customer Service, both in branch and by phone to head office. A good selection of accounts but the interest rates are not especially competitive. Reviewed on: 28th August 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society Hi Nigel, Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you’ve had a positive experience with our customer service, both in branch and over the phone. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will be shared with the team. We also appreciate your observations regarding our account selection and interest rates. While we strive to offer a competitive range of products, we understand that rates are an important factor and your feedback will be taken into consideration as we continue to review and enhance our offerings. If there is anything further we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Kind regards, Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 29th September 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

Fed up with online attemp.

2
Tried to register fo an online account as an existing customer , was asked to provide ID certification , and account was set up , but now I cannot get into system as something has been deactivated. No answer to telephone call , no waiting time given. This has been one obstacle and frustration after another . Will probably just let attempted account lapse as am fed up trying. Reviewed on: 12th August 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society Hi Sandra, Thank you for your candid feedback, and I'm sorry to understand that you are experiencing issues when trying to register for an online account. We are working hard to improve our Harpenden Online Platform, and we are confident that this will improve. If you would like to contact me directly then i will pass your comments to the relevant team who will be able to assist you further. My email address is [email protected] Yours sincerely, Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 14th August 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
Personal service. Not online only, branch service with passbook. Reviewed on: 31st July 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society This is great to read, thank your for your feedback. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 26th August 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
Local, independent. Longer branch opening hours needed. Reviewed on: 31st July 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society Thank you for your feedback. We regularly review our opening hours to ensure they are optimal for members and are proportionate with commercial considerations. If you would like to contact me with suggestions on how this can be improved then I would be delighted to hear from you. My email address is [email protected]. Thanks once again for your feedback- it is appreciated. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 26th August 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
Friendly professional service, always kind to my disabled mum. Reviewed on: 31st July 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society This is great to read. We are delighted that you and your mum are pleased with the service you have received. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 26th August 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

In branch service review

5
Very good service - friendly and knowledgeable. Reviewed on: 31st July 2025
Reply from Harpenden Building Society This is great to read, thank you for your feedback. Jon Sweeting Commercial Manager Response date: 26th August 2025
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Harpenden Building Society

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