Halifax Reward account

A question about : Halifax Reward account

I haven't been on here for a while - life is just so busy now with three children at school!

Anyway, in summary, I just thought I'd fill you all in on our experience with applying for a Halifax current account recently. DH and I went BC in October 2008, got ED June 2009. Since then I've managed to open an ISA with Santander and we've continued to bank with Co-Op.

In January, I was asked to go through a security clearance process for work, which included a credit search and I had to declare that I had not been declared bankrupt within the last 6 years . Obviously, I passed through the clearance and am now working on the new project.

On the basis of this, last week I thought we'd test the water and take advantage of the Halifax switching bonus, so DH went through the online application process, the account was approved, but before it could be finalised, there was one box that he could not tick - I have NEVER been declared bankrupt, etc. Obviously he could not say this, so he phoned up Halifax to query this. The 'customer service' agent said that if he had ever been declared bankrupt, he would not be able to open an account with Halifax, EVER. He confirmed this twice. DH was also told this condition was in the terms on the website before you even make the application. I have read and re-read the terms and conditions on their website and, unless I'm missing something, I can't see where this is stated until you have gone through the entire application process, when it is mentioned for the first time.

Yes, I know we could go into the branch and sort this out, but quite frankly, why should we??

Santander, however, have approved us for a joint 123 current account, DH is in the process of switching to an Everyday current account, and I have also opened an Everyday current account, with a 123 eSaver. Santander's terms state, 'I am not currently bankrupt', therefore we can honestly say yes.

The main reason I've switched is because I need a chequebook - old fashion and on the way out, I know. The children go to so many things now that require payment in cash or cheque (Brownies/Guides/school trips), it's getting a bit tedious having to carry cash all the time.

I will be complaining to Halifax about this.

Best answers:

• Don't bother complaining.
  It is obvious Halifax don't want any of us [on this forum?] as customers...their loss!
  HAving seen reports on this forum concerning HAlifax, and its attitudes, it is probably better avoiding them at all costs...regardless of one's credit background?
  Plenty more fish in the sea, offering much better terms & deals than Halifax..
  I have studiously avoided placing my custom with Halifax since the 1970's....despite their best efforts to lure me in.
  If they cannot be bothered with you....don't bother with them!
• I will be complaining about their application process as the declaration re insolvency was after the credit search had been conducted and the account had been approved so now DH has a search on his file for an account that was never opened.
  I wouldn't move to Halifax for anything after that experience. It is their loss that we're not their customers but it's DH's credit file that's been affected.
  By contrast, Santander have been wonderful - even gave me compensation on misinformation I was given on the phone on Saturday. I didn't ask for the compensation, it was just offered
• I've just experienced wonderful customer service today in my local branch - basically, around 14 months ago, I cancelled a DD payment on my sole reward account - still had the money going in - but the account was opened BEFORE the rule of 2 DD was introduced. SO they downgraded my account to a standard current one - with no notice. Then, last march, I added another DD to the account - fulfilling the criteria. HOWEVER, because I"ve 'named' my accounts on my phone app, I never noticed that it wasn't a reward account - and stupidly didn't spot I wasn't getting the Ј5.
  So today, I went into the branch to sort it out. The woman agreed totally that if they were quick to down grade with no notice, then the reverse should have applied. And they have agreed to back pay the last 11 months of Ј5 rewards! and she also was keen to check I was happy with how it was resolved, did I want to apply for additional money for the journey to the branch and parking costs.... She really was great - talked me through all sorts of different accounts and was polite and listened. and in 48 hours I will be Ј55 better off.
• The above is exactly the sort of customer care to be expected from any High St. bank or BS.
  No more,no less.....and can be witnessed in all banks and BS....!
  However, this is a BAnkruptcy forum, and the views herein reflect the experiences of those who need to post on here......and HAlifax...on the whole, have an appalling attitude, incredibly discriminatory, and contrary to the policies even the Government are attempting to get all banks to adopt.
• This account keeps going into unplanned overdraft really easily for me, at the mo, must say Halifax are brilliant