I can't close my Barclays business account - seemingly

[dch1950]

Hi there,

about 14 months ago I was looking for a bank to use for my business start up. I was going to be a web based business and opened an account with Barclays (L/Spa branch). However, it soon became obvious to me that the bank (and my "relationship manager") weren't up to task so at a meeting at the branch I asked for the account to be closed. I transferred all balances out, returned security code device etc,etc.

This was Sep 2010. I thought no more about this, even when the odd letter arrived from Barclays. I assumed they hadn't notofied some other part of their system.

Earlier this year (April 2011) I received a statement for this closed account which showed a balance of £1.08p. Now bear in mind this account was at best inactive and as far as I was concerned - closed. I rang their help number, complained and was told the account wasn't closed as it had a positive balance (£1.08p). I said this was ridiculous, give the money to charity and do what I asked originally and close the account. I was told that this would be done.

Most recently (Sept 2011) I received a letter saying that charge changes were to made on my account - Hmmmmm. I rang again and complained. No real response here though. I have subsequently written to Barclays in Leicester (3 Nov 2011) but have not received a reply. I have received a letter (dated 3/11/11) which tells me my account is now overdrawn due to charges being levied on the account. Charges for what ?

I am now at a total loss as to what to do - 1 meeting, 2 phone calls, 1 letter and I'm just being ignored. The only transactions on this virtual account are those by Barclays (which caused it to go overdrawn !).

If they think I'm going to go back to them (because they've kept my account open for me -) they are mistaken - but my question is how do stop this.

Ant help would be gratefully received.

regards

Dave H

[HANLEY40]

Business "RelationshipManagers" Just tout for Business.I would say Financial Ombudsman.Quickest way is Write Directly TO The Chief Executive that always gets it done.Leicester is a Dead letterbox no-one picks up the mail.I worked for Rbs at the time the moved it to Liverpool I think even though they still show Leicester address!.I used to deal with Barclays daily and getting through to them even as another bank was/is a nightmare, no-one wanted that Barclays file in the morning.It was always an all-day job.

[slick132]

Hi Dch,

 

Do not involve the FOS - this will be a slow frustrating process which ultimately fails to get you anywhere.

 

I would make a brief complaint direct to Barclays London HQ.

 

Also, check you Credit Reference files to ensure no adverse credit markers have been made about the a/c that will affect your name.

 

[dch1950]

Hi everyone,

I have finally managed to resolve this matter. After I had not heard from Leics or Leamington branches I decided to try the 0845 # again and entered into what I was fully expecting to be the usual pointless exchange . Much to my surprise the lad taking my call actually seemed concerned and tried to do something for me. Well, well you could have knocked me down with a brick! He cross checked with credit reference agencies for me to ensure no "non-payment " problems had arisen, then said the account would be closed forthwith (as I had originally requested in 2010). I would also receive the written confirmation I required.

I am pleased that this young man did evryhing he said would and actually listened to my complaint - Hallelujah and well done Vinash. To finalise a letter (including apologies) has been received and all would appear to be well. Still I'll give it a while just to check.

If it is of interest I have a "new" address for Barclays Customer Relations ()

Barclays Business Customer Relations

P.O Box 708

Leeds

LS1 9FD

 

Tel: 0845 300 4149.

My view is that this still seems a little covert, but still it's better than a dead letter drop address.

regards

Dave

PS seems you must persist and you will get the system to talk to you.

D

[slick132]

Hi Dch and thanks for the update.

 

It's great to hear that there are still staff who can listen to a complaint and act effectively to resolve it.

 

Barclays and Barclaycard just need to find a few more to man their phone lines.

 

[HANLEY40]

That is great news.You just need one advisor who will go the extra mile.Brilliant.

[BankFodder]

Please let us know if the problem is unresolved

[cph]

Barclays are the pits, they take weeks to respond to letters of authority, and when you get fed up of them do everything they can to stop you switching. My mother who is terminally ill in hospital wrote to them asking to move her savings, they have dealt with her by letter on and off for over 20 years as she is disabled following a stroke, (cant speak either) yet when she wanted to move the cheery reply was could she drop in to the branch they do not have a record of her signature! The local branch know full well she is a disabled 82 year old with a terminal illness. What is this about?

[slick132]

Hi CPH and welcome to CAG.

 

If you want to discuss your case, please feel free to start your own thread in the Barclays forum.