UK Barclays Bank customers

STEVE G · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 3:04 am Post subject:

This is happening to me on a regular basis now with Lloyds, the only thing that makes life slightly easier, is if you are registered for telephone banking, as this speeds up the verification process. I have to say that the call centre operators, who are obviously in India, are exceptionally polite and efficient.

jackie · Member Joined: 29 Sep 2005 Posts: 97 Location: England

When I telephoned the call centre in the UK it was an 0800 number which was free but the operator give me another number to call and said it would be better as it would get me through directly to the person I needed to speak to. The other number was an 0870 which would have cost me a fortune calling from my mobile. I told him I would hold on until he put me through which took about 15 minutes, but I didn't care as it did not cost me anything. I will make sure before I come to HH in April that I notify my Bank.

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject:

Yes, I know it's this old story again, but here's an update for Barclays customers as I've just found out this morning.
As usual, sitting here with all of 7 odd Baht in coins, rent to pay Sunday, so off to the ATM. Same, same - "refer to issuing bank".
Fortunately the wife had money on her mobile - we don't have an international connection on the land-line at home. This time I was just a bit angry as I thought and had been told that this situation was resolved a few months ago.
So, I was informed of the following. As my statements go to my parents' address in the UK (it makes it easier when I need a new debit card. They won't sent one overseas direct), my card will be automatically blocked every 3 months. The computer can't be overriden and no amount of shouting and protestations were going to change that fact. So, the relevant future date is now entered in my diary.
Also, I mooted the situation where I went, say, to Malaysia for a bit to visit friends. Would I need to let them know? "Definitely, or else the card will get blocked there immediately".
So, it's not just Big Brother in the form of UK and Thai authorities keeping track of me, it's now my bank as well
Shoot em up

What's next, I have to tell my hairdresser back home every time I go for a piss here.
More guns Shoot em up

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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

Farang · Guru Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 693

'
If Barclays keep on assaulting your transom, why do persist in being their customer still?
I walked away from them and can now painlessly sit anew.
,

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:53 pm Post subject:

sargeant · Ace Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1796 Location: Hua Hin

Lomu shiver me timbers doth thow verily not read my posts on these heathen fiefing gits oh yea verily they will send a new debit card to your address here in thailand But abracadabara is the old key word

Try BANKING OMBUDSMAN and then at your leisure watch their attitude change and dont prat about write to the BO and you will get compensation takes a long time and is very little but you will get your card trust me

I am going back to the uk to become a nationwide cuzzztomer
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A Greatfull Guest of Thailand

sam · Specialist Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 170

Lomu, just an idea, if you set up a standing order from your bank to your thai bank, you would not have to use your Barclays atm card, also you would avoid the fees you pay each time. Idea

sargeant · Ace Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1796 Location: Hua Hin

Sam if only it was that simple sorry if only that was true the fees stay exactely the same plus you get the exchange rate on that given day and loose the ability to max albeit the small diff in exchange rate
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A Greatfull Guest of Thailand

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the comments.
I've tried the FO ploy before - twice - on your recommendation, Sarge. Short of writing to him/her, Barclays won't listen. "The computer can't be overriden". Also, when was the last time you had a card sent direct from the bank to you here? Just a genuine question, because they used to for me, but then abruptedly stopped some 5/6 years ago. That's why I changed the statement address. I was told in no uncertain terms today that there is no way they'll send a card abroad. ??????

Sam, yes a SO monthly would seem the way to go, but I prefer leaving my money in the UK as it can be quickly used to take care of any expenditure on my business there - namely my property. Once here, it's difficult to get out again. I know I'm only talking about small amounts, but they do make a difference to me. If and when I sell up, the situation won't be the same.
If they had internet banking in the UK that allowed me to transfer to a bank here and vice versa, then that's ideal. But I don't see it happening for a long time. I can move my money (what there is) around in the UK at the press of a button from home, but I can't move it overseas. AFAIA.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject:

PS, Sarge. see what you mean now. The card comes, later a new PIN number and then you've got to call them to activate it. Didn't ask that this morning. They just said they wouldn't send it and I was a bit angry to think further on that point.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

STEVE G · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:22 pm Post subject:

Lomu, I had exactly the same problem with my Lloyds ATM being blocked again in Thailand last week. I used to be able to call their phone bank without any problems, but this time it took about 25 minutes of being put on hold and nearly 24 hours to get it unblocked.
I’m going to send them the phone bill this time although I don’t expect much response. From now on I’m going to transfer to a Thai account as this is getting beyond a joke, they offer a worldwide service that, after many years, has stopped working.

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject:

I can appreciate the delay, Steve G.
At least every time I call, I'm through quickly and the card reactivated in 5 mins. I gave it 10 mins this morning and it was true.
To wait that amount of time could become desperate. I needed my beers at the time.
Barclays pointed out that the number for their fraud department, which I've posted here a long time ago, is a reverse charge number. Great, except we purposefully don't have an international connection on the land line at home and it wouldn't be much use to me if I was stuck in Nakon Nowhere without cash and trying to explain to a bank that they could make the call and the charges would be accepted. I wonder how that would go?
Anyway, the ressurection of the thread wasn't meant to be a justification of my banking practises, rather than a heads up to Barclays customers again based on what I experienced this morning. More guns Shoot em up

He he. I've had a few beers now and all of a sudden the world dosn't seem such a bad place.
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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

STEVE G · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:39 pm Post subject:

Lomu wrote:

sargeant · Ace Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1796 Location: Hua Hin

Lomu last year april/may and was courieered at no cost to either of us took 5 days 2X brand new scratch and sniff connect cards and the pin numbers stayed the same and have worked every month ever since
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A Greatfull Guest of Thailand

lomuamart · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject:

5 days without beer, ciggies and food is pretty tough, especailly the beer and ciggies.
I know you've had a medical problem, Sarge, so I'm only trying to lighten the conversation. Good luck and follow Dawn's advice re diet.
Meanwhile I'm waiting for my replacement card from Peru.
_________________
"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.