Vida Bank reviews
Wondering how this rating works?
This score is generated using our own unique scoring method. It combines the 1-5 star ratings left by verified reviewers, when those reviews were submitted and other meaningful data from the reviews.
Across our website, we use the same consistent method and scores which update in real time as new reviews come in.
Vida Bank reviews
Verified businesses always have up to date contact details and can respond to reviews.
-
FCA approved and regulated
-
UK-based contact centre
-
Manage your account or policy via an app or website
-
Offers video or telephone appointments
Review summary
People rate this company as Poor based on 36 product reviews
Wondering how this rating works?
This score is generated using our own unique scoring method. It combines the 1-5 star ratings left by verified reviewers, when those reviews were submitted and other meaningful data from the reviews.
Across our website, we use the same consistent method and scores which update in real time as new reviews come in.
Latest positive rating
Good interest rate, still finding better interest ra...
Good interest rate, still finding better interest rates elsewhere
Latest negative rating
Vida Homeloans: Costly, intrusive and utterly heartless
In my experience, Vida Homeloans are an appalling company to deal with. We received a Decision in Principle and proceeded on that basis. Importantly, the... In my experience, Vida Homeloans are an appalling company to deal with. We received a Decision in Principle and proceeded on that basis. Importantly, the documentation later provided did not undermine the original application. Quite the opposite. The final accounts showed company profits were over 40% higher than the figures originally presented for the DIP. In other words, once Vida had the final paperwork, the case was actually more favourable, not less. This mortgage was not some casual lifestyle move. We urgently needed this house move because our son has suffered a catastrophic spinal injury, and we needed suitable accommodation to help bring him home and support his rehabilitation. Vida were aware this was a deeply important and time-sensitive situation. Despite that, they dragged us through one of the most gruelling, intrusive and stressful underwriting processes I have ever experienced. They charged substantial upfront fees, including hundreds of pounds for valuation and application processing, then demanded layer after layer of information: bank statements, explanations, documents, letters, final company accounts, benefit information, vulnerability paperwork, historic credit explanations — virtually everything short of a blood test. We were then put under pressure to finalise company accounts by a strict deadline. We did exactly what they asked. We got the accounts completed. We provided every document requested. The final figures supported the application even more strongly than the original DIP. Then, after taking our money, wasting weeks of our time, and making us jump through every hoop they put in front of us, Vida declined the application based on historic information which was not visible on the credit file and which, as far as I could see, was not clearly stated as a published automatic decline criterion in their lending guidance. So what was the point of the DIP? What was the point of taking our fees? What was the point of subjecting us to weeks of invasive underwriting and forcing us to race to provide final accounts, if they were simply going to decline on that basis anyway? The whole process felt opaque, unfair, cruel and completely disproportionate. Communication was poor, the demands were excessive, and the outcome was devastating. They knew this was a family under extreme pressure, trying to secure a home suitable for a catastrophically injured son. They still put us through weeks of stress, cost and urgency, only to decline the case after we had provided everything they asked for — despite the final financial position being stronger than originally presented. In my opinion, their Decision in Principle was worthless. Their process was invasive and unreasonable. Their handling of our case was dreadful. Vida Homeloans have cost us money, wasted precious time, caused huge distress, and left our family in an even more difficult position. We will be making a formal complaint. Avoid. Read more Read less
About Vida Bank
Vida Bank is a UK based specialist mortgage bank.
Vida Homeloans offer a range of specialist residential and buy-to-let mortgages available through a network of over 15,000 independent mortgage intermediaries.
Vida Savings offer a range of savings accounts, all supported with UK based customer service.
Vida Bank at a glance
Contact details
- Phone
- 01784 461 561
- [email protected]
- Main address
- Vida Bank, 1 Battle Bridge Lane, London, SE1 2HP
Reviews for Vida Bank
Showing 11 of 36 company reviews • Last reviewed within 7 days
Vida Homeloans: Costly, intrusive and utterly heartless
In my experience, Vida Homeloans are an appalling company to deal with. We received a Decision in Principle and proceeded on that basis. Importantly, the... In my experience, Vida Homeloans are an appalling company to deal with. We received a Decision in Principle and proceeded on that basis. Importantly, the documentation later provided did not undermine the original application. Quite the opposite. The final accounts showed company profits were over 40% higher than the figures originally presented for the DIP. In other words, once Vida had the final paperwork, the case was actually more favourable, not less. This mortgage was not some casual lifestyle move. We urgently needed this house move because our son has suffered a catastrophic spinal injury, and we needed suitable accommodation to help bring him home and support his rehabilitation. Vida were aware this was a deeply important and time-sensitive situation. Despite that, they dragged us through one of the most gruelling, intrusive and stressful underwriting processes I have ever experienced. They charged substantial upfront fees, including hundreds of pounds for valuation and application processing, then demanded layer after layer of information: bank statements, explanations, documents, letters, final company accounts, benefit information, vulnerability paperwork, historic credit explanations — virtually everything short of a blood test. We were then put under pressure to finalise company accounts by a strict deadline. We did exactly what they asked. We got the accounts completed. We provided every document requested. The final figures supported the application even more strongly than the original DIP. Then, after taking our money, wasting weeks of our time, and making us jump through every hoop they put in front of us, Vida declined the application based on historic information which was not visible on the credit file and which, as far as I could see, was not clearly stated as a published automatic decline criterion in their lending guidance. So what was the point of the DIP? What was the point of taking our fees? What was the point of subjecting us to weeks of invasive underwriting and forcing us to race to provide final accounts, if they were simply going to decline on that basis anyway? The whole process felt opaque, unfair, cruel and completely disproportionate. Communication was poor, the demands were excessive, and the outcome was devastating. They knew this was a family under extreme pressure, trying to secure a home suitable for a catastrophically injured son. They still put us through weeks of stress, cost and urgency, only to decline the case after we had provided everything they asked for — despite the final financial position being stronger than originally presented. In my opinion, their Decision in Principle was worthless. Their process was invasive and unreasonable. Their handling of our case was dreadful. Vida Homeloans have cost us money, wasted precious time, caused huge distress, and left our family in an even more difficult position. We will be making a formal complaint. Avoid. Read more Read less
Good interest rate, still finding better interest ra...
Good interest rate, still finding better interest rates elsewhere
Products from Vida Bank
Mortgage
by Vida BankVida Homeloans offer specialist mortgages. Vida Homeloans work with intermediary partners to help the self-employed, first-time buyers and portfolio landlords. The interest rate you’re charged will depend on your circumstances....
Mortgage
by Vida BankVida Homeloans offer specialist mortgages. Vida Homeloans work with intermediary partners to help the self-employed, first-time buyers and portfolio landlords. The interest rate you’re charged will depend on your circumstances....
Cash ISAs
by Vida BankVida Bank offer fixed rate and easy access cash ISAs. There are different terms available for fixed rate cash ISAs and you’ll need to deposit at least £1,000. Easy cash...
Cash ISAs
by Vida BankVida Bank offer fixed rate and easy access cash ISAs. There are different terms available for fixed rate cash ISAs and you’ll need to deposit at least £1,000. Easy cash...
Easy access savings
by Vida BankVida Bank offer easy access savings accounts. You’ll need to deposit at least £500 to open a Vida Bank easy access account. You can manage your account online or via...
Easy access savings
by Vida BankVida Bank offer easy access savings accounts. You’ll need to deposit at least £500 to open a Vida Bank easy access account. You can manage your account online or via...
Notice savings account
by Vida BankVida Bank offer notice savings accounts. You’ll need to deposit at least £500 to open a Vida Bank notice account. You can manage your account online or via the app...
Notice savings account
by Vida BankVida Bank offer notice savings accounts. You’ll need to deposit at least £500 to open a Vida Bank notice account. You can manage your account online or via the app...
Bonds
by Vida BankVida Bank offer fixed rate bonds. You’ll need to deposit at least £1000 to open a Vida Bank bond and terms vary. You can manage your account online or via...
Bonds
by Vida BankVida Bank offer fixed rate bonds. You’ll need to deposit at least £1000 to open a Vida Bank bond and terms vary. You can manage your account online or via...
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