NO ONE SHOULD USE THIS SERVICE FOR THEIR BANKING NEEDS
1
I normally do not write reviews or had any negative experiences with banks but I have to make everyone aware of how Acorn have treated me.
I have been banking with Acorn for almost 3 years.
In May, I called Acorn to have my telephone number updated. I was notified on the 26th of May (the day I called) that my account was closed due to direct debit abuse. I was shocked at the accusation and secondly, because it was closed on the 19th and I was not notified. Acorn gave me the excuse that they do not have enough resources to notify customers of any account closures.
It doesn't stop here. I wrote a complaint via email about the situation and highlighted that in their terms and conditions, customers are either notified 60 days prior to any closures or within reasonable time if their accounts are closed due to fraudulent activities. I was sure that I did nothing fraudulent and wrote another email. Acorn responded with their final letter stating that I was misinformed about the reason of my account being closed and the reason was something about multiple accounts being held elsewhere where debit card abuse was apparent. The agent could not further elaborate on this and I was utterly confused and hurt about the accusation.
I decided to write to the ombudsman and complain about this. During this time, I made purchases using my then acorn card and was due a refund. Acorn processed this refund and I called them to have that money returned to me. They first asked for a sort code and account number and said it will be in my (new) account the next day. I received a call 10 minutes after stating that they didnt want to keep me in the dark and the money couldn't be returned to me until investigations were complete. I called again and was told to contact paypal for them to recall that money. I contacted paypal and paypal said Acorn shouldnt have processed the money to a closed account and they have no authority to hold onto that money. They are being very difficult. Acorn were adamant that the only way I could get MY money back was that way and no other way. When the account was closed there was 9p in the account, however small, not only did Acorn not notify me of a closure but did not arrange to have any funds returned to me.
They have been extremely difficult and caused so much inconvenience, on top of stress because when my account was closed, my salary had already been sent. So i had to wait for it to be sent back to my employer, it was a bank holiday weekend, so I had to wait for the Tuesday to arrange another bank. I was without money for two weeks because of this inconvenient. Acorn have no idea about banking ethics and have treated me like absolute crap. They show no remorse at all.
My complaint is still ongoing with the ombudsman and I update them with new information. I would not recommend this service to anyone and they have actually done a favour by closing my account.
Absolutely disgusting!
Reviewed on: 14th July 2017
