Halifax!

[johnt]

Unbelievable, Unbelievable!.

I've just got off the phone from my father, who's 68.

He's been with the Halifax for most of his life. He's had a mortgage with them for 25 years, and had a platinum credit card, which he's used occasionally, to benefit from various points and awards given away with the card.

He's retired now, and has fully paid his mortgage, spent £40.00 on the card a few weeks ago, and has now received a letter from them that say's he must pay off the outstanding amount of £40.00 within the month, and that the account will be closed as it is no longer financially viable for them to keep the account open.

In addition they have stated that no more services will be made available to him.

Can they do this? I guess they have!

[MelanieGiles]

It is a sign of the times I am afraid - and customers who do not use their accounts that often do not make money for banks.

[chris.g]

Ridiculous!!!!

[olympic_torch]

Just think, if it wasn't for people such as us on the forum, the banks would be broke.
Whats the old saying, a bank will lend you an umbrella in the summer, then ask for it back when it rains?

[johnt]

Just think, if it wasn't for people such as us on the forum, the banks would be broke.
Whats the old saying, a bank will lend you an umbrella in the summer, then ask for it back when it rains?

He's been a loyal customer with them for most of his life, and this is how they repay him. Understandably he's really miffed. It gives you no confidence in them at all, there's just no good will.

[joh71262]

Persoally I'd look around for better offers on any money he has with them and tell them to stick it.

But then I've been guikty of cutting off my nose to spite my face !

I am sure there are SOME banks or building societies out there that would be more than happy to have someone that actually gives them money to look after for a change !!

If he has access to the internet, why not try places like ING Direct or other mainly online brokers ?

[Emily]

The Banks have now redefined the customers they use or serve depending on your point of view - on a Risk level scale completely different to the traditional Credit referencing criterion - much of these assessment is becoming gloried guess work. If people given credit on Home loans after the Banks' own checks are defaulting more than the 'model' of risk management would allow then there something inherently wrong with the credit assessment. You might as well toss a coin to decide who gets credit

Banks are not very intelligent in assessing future defaulting customers.

[aguise]

I think this is a terrible way to treat a longstanding good customer. Basically they are saying we dont make any money off you we dont need your custom. I would be on the phone and tell them so in fact I wold write to head offic. It probably wouldnt get me anywhere but I would at least feel better for telling them what I think.

ang

[Skippy]

It's terrible to treat a long standing customer like that. Mind you, nothing surprises me about the Halifax - awful 'bank'!

[pm5]

These banks are just down right greedy & all the profits they make too !