Cater Allen Business Bank Account Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★☆
“Great customer service!”
Written on: 14/05/2013 by LizCitron
I NEVER write reviews but reading what has already been written. I feel the need to help set the record straight. I really like the service I get from Cater Allen. You call and one of their super-nice staff answers after a couple of rings, they are fantastically patient and helpful and they have always bent over backwards to accommodate every request I have made. Yes, there are problems with inter-bank transfers, which I admit is a bore, but that is totally counter balanced by the fact... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Don't even apply for them, they will waste your time”
Written on: 13/05/2013 by f366457
I have tried to set up an account with them via Nixon Williams, but they have rejected all bank statements (used as proofs of address) which I sent them. First they said the statement cannot contain a url, and they cannot accept anything that looks like it hasn't been posted to me via mail. Then when I provided them with confirmation of my bank details SIGNED BY A BRANCH MANAGER, they said they cannot accept it as well. They also requested insane amount of personal information from me, and a... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Awful”
Written on: 31/03/2013
Awful Avoid Avoid Avoid, simply unacceptably slow transfering money, got me in trouble with HMRC (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Closed active account refused to say why:”
Written on: 09/03/2013
So on 05/04/13 I went log into my Cater Allen account which was an account in good standing with plenty of funds which had been open since 2008 and was being used on a regular basis. And it was gone. Calling Cater Allen was less than illuminating: "we issued notice that we would be closing the account in 60 days on Dec 31st 2012." Er....why? "We don't have to tell you that." Ok but I received nothing, who signed for this important correspondence? "We don't send the letters signed for."... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“They don't tell you their "faster payments" ARE NOT”
Written on: 26/01/2013
They give you a bunch of excuses why they think they use faster payments, but seriously, if it takes 2 days to transfer money then it's not faster payments. They don't tell you that in the brochure. Unfortunately recommended by my accountant. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Avoid Cater Allen”
Written on: 30/11/2012
Cater Allen is by far the worst bank we have ever banked with. - Terrible customer support - They have terminated our business accounts because we now have foreign shareholders - They frequently froze payments from large international clients - International transactions only though routing through another bank - Terrible online banking Everything you don't want from a bank you find with them. Avoid them! (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Good day to day banking, slow transfer, international mess”
Written on: 31/10/2012
Cater Allen is a good bank as long as you only need to pay/receive money within the UK and you don't mind that the transfers take up to a couple of days. However if you need to receive international payments I suggest you choose another bank as CA is not able to receive international payments directly, it needs to go through an RBS account and your CA account number goes into the reference field. Chances are that your clients WILL get this wrong (providing they can be bothered dealing with... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Closed Account Without Reason”
Written on: 09/09/2012
In keeping with the horrible experience I had in trying to open account (something forced upon me by Cloud9 Umbrella Accounting service) - that took me almost 5 months to get through, now I've received a notice that they're closing my account without giving a reason, as they're entitled to do per our agreement. Obviously Cater Allen / Santander have way too many customers. I'll be happy to be untethered from these numpties. I just wish I knew why my account, which has never been close to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“They really didn't seem to want my business”
Written on: 08/08/2012 by zactrichardm (3 reviews written)
I agree with others that the call-in service was friendly enough. Where they fall down is in their system. On-line payments system is somewhat archaic and they seem to have little or no clue when it comes to international business. If you're a small parochial business in the UK, with no need for slick on-line banking or any international transactions, then you may not experience their short-comings. If want more than that then there are other banks out there who will probably do a lot... (read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent customer service....”
Written on: 09/05/2012 by Nick74 (1 review written)
I moved to Cater Allen from RBS, who were quite useless when it comes to international banking. As are most of the 'high street' banks which are run by robots who can help you no more than you can yourself by browsing their website. The main advantage with Cater Allen is that the customer service is really excellent. There is a landline number which is answered directly by a member of staff. On every occasion I have phoned, the very first person I have spoken to has been able to answer my... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 41 Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Unsuitable for international payments! Untimely processing”
Written on: 04/04/2012
Customer service is fantastic! You can call them pretty much at any time. English consultants and very friendly, however, the bank system is bad. Accepting international payments into your account is a pain. Your IBAN and BIC (Swift) is not enough!!! You need to ask your clients to put RBS details on the payment instead of your own! Not all clients are flexible enough to do that and then add your company name or number in the payment reference field (outrageous). Payments scheduled for a... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“General review”
Written on: 01/01/2012
I have been with CA for just over a year now. The account did take too long to setup - about 4-5 weeks, but the same thing happened when I also opened a Coop bank account. However, they were very helpful when I telephoned them. Their customer service has to be experienced, it is excellent. They are open until 11pm every day, not bad for business banking. I can easily transfer large sums of money from my bank to another bank - without problem. You have about £20k transfer limit per day... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Diabolical for receiving international payments”
Written on: 16/12/2011 by Justano (1 review written)
I have used Cater Allen for the last 4 years and the first time we have an issue totally of their making, no help is given. If you get paid from overseas the payment cannot be received direct into your own bank account. Cater Allen have to receive these through RBS which means the company paying you has to make sure the payment is made in the name of RBS not your company which quite honestly big international companies are not going to do this just for your company. I currently have a... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“There are catches to using their Free banking service: ”
Written on: 27/03/2011
There are catches to using their Free banking service:
£5000 deposit maintained at all times (at 5% interest you're losing £250 a year!)
No debit card until you've been with them 6 months or can prove you've been incorporated for longer than 6 months
They took a few WEEKS to open the account
For the above reasons, I cannot recommend them.
They do have some advantages, such as releasing bank statements directly to my accountants... but there must be better accounts out there!
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I was given a referal from my accountant, with a view...”
Written on: 28/11/2010
I was given a referal from my accountant, with a view to this account being opened within 5 days. Now we are about to start week 4!
After chasing, on week 3 I received a pin number, then a internet logon number. Now I have to wait 7-10 days for my temporary internet password.
I have now applied for a Santander business account in a view this might be quicker.
My recommendation to anyone applying is look around, there are plenty of other banks with similar if not better options.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I can't report on the banking experience because I...”
Written on: 17/11/2010
I can't report on the banking experience because I am still waiting to have my account opened. It has taken far, far longer than the week I was advised by the CS guy on the phone. And we are a customer of Santander so access to records couldn't be too problematic. T
I have rung up numerous times and made it perfectly clear that I am waiting for the account number in order to invoice clients. The longer this goes on, the longer we don't received money back.
On Monday I was told that they...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i have had issues with this bank for the last 2 weeks...”
Written on: 01/11/2010 by sayfulalam (1 review written)
i have had issues with this bank for the last 2 weeks as i cant access my account use my debit card online banking every time i phone the bank they are saying it is a technical fault. i have run out of patient please is their anyone there that can help me. (read more)
★★★★★
“I operate a business that has payments in Euros,...”
Written on: 13/10/2010
I operate a business that has payments in Euros, Pounds and Swiss Francs. I have banked with Cater Allen for 15 years, since they were Robert Flemming. The Cater Allen mutli-currency accounts are first rate with exchange rates competitive to an online FX trade account.
I have one criticism; since they became Santander occasionally small fees have been charged. But these are trivial compared to the service provided.
I recommend this bank to businesses such as consultancies that may...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“HAVING HAD A SAVING ACCOUNT WITH CA FOR SEVERAL YEARS...”
Written on: 23/08/2010
HAVING HAD A SAVING ACCOUNT WITH CA FOR SEVERAL YEARS , HAVING CUT THE SAVINGS RATE TO 0.25% ON A SIX FIGURE SUM . HENCE I HAVE DECIDED TO CLOSE MY ACCOUNTS. THEIR ATTITUDE HAS TOTALY CHANGED, THEY ARE NOT BEEN HELPFUL, THEY MAKING EXCUSSES WHY THEY CAN NOT TRANSFER FUNDS OR CHANGE BANK ACCOUNT.
CONSIDERING THEY ARE PART OF SANTANDARE GROUP AND YOU CAN OPEN A ACCOUNT WITH SANTANDARE AND ENJOY 2.5%.
DONT LET THEM FOOL YOU.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Despite keeping a six figure balance and making my VAT...”
Written on: 12/08/2010
Despite keeping a six figure balance and making my VAT payments to HRMC, visible and clear income patterns and monthly salary payments,I got a letter in the post giving 60 days notice of closure of my account without proving a reason. Apparently they are allowed to do that according to the terms and conditions of the account. Beggars belief as I thought banks are supposed to be shoring up the balance sheets by taking in as much deposits as they can possibly. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 41 Reviews
★★★★★
“Telephone service is second to none and in the UK. ”
Written on: 15/07/2010
Telephone service is second to none and in the UK.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I opened a Business Account with CA on the...”
Written on: 29/05/2010 by boyfleming (1 review written)
I opened a Business Account with CA on the recommendation of my partner who had used them for several years without any
explicit banking fees.
This year, when my balance dropped below 5,000 they slapped on 15 per month of service fees that they had never charged my partner. Turns out you only get the "free" deal if you sign up via an approved intermediary.
What an excellent way to encourage dissatisfaction. They had enjoyed balances of 50k for over a year on rather ungenerous interest but...
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I have held a CA business account for many years...”
Written on: 10/05/2010
I have held a CA business account for many years (since their Fleming days). I had been a great fan and their service was generally very good. Over the last year I am afraid to say, their service has deteriorated, I have experienced 6 or 7 problems with transfers and other transations in one case they 'lost' the funds for a few weeks due to a data entry mistake, in another case they failed to make an urgent payment despite confirming it (I only found out as the receiving party... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I have had reserve account for 5 years but for well...”
Written on: 01/05/2010
I have had reserve account for 5 years but for well over a year they have paid no interest and are charging me 75p for every 'day to day' transaction over 30 in a month - that includes direct debits, standing orders, visa debit card payments, cheque payments etc. It is almost impossible even for a small business to not go over 30 transactions in a m,onth.
Stay away from them.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“They're unprofessional and they treat people in the...”
Written on: 31/10/2009
They're unprofessional and they treat people in the worst possible way. It took them 1 month to open a simple account for my new business, they were asking me to do the same things again and again, then they got my name wrong on the account, they opened an account in the wrong currency and 2 weeks later, they sent me a notice that they exercize their option to close my account, without any particular reason. (read more)
★★★★★
“I have experiend friendly and prompt service using...”
Written on: 24/10/2009
I have experiend friendly and prompt service using their telephone bank service. I have been with them for over 3 years and have never had a problem. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I have banked with Cater Allen, formerly Robert...”
Written on: 26/09/2009
I have banked with Cater Allen, formerly Robert Flemings, for well over 20 years. Alas since the takeover by Abbey, now Santandeer the service has gradually declined and it's hard to distinguish it against many other banking organisations. When you telephone you are always directed to the website. A whiney female voice like nails down a blackboard will greet you and suggest you log on to their site. If you'd wanted the website presumably you wouldn't have phoned in the first place!
Unlike...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I have Reserve and 30 Day Deposit accounts with Cater...”
Written on: 28/07/2009
I have Reserve and 30 Day Deposit accounts with Cater Allen. They offer Phone banking are based in the UK. Unfortunately, I have had nothing but trouble with Cater Allen.
They failed to credit me any interest at all for the first year..and then told me it might have been paid to my Agent!
When I tried to change the signatories they sent me enough paperwork to clear a small forest...and refused to accept any of it until it was all 100% correct.
..and now they have the cheek to offer no...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I have banked with Cater Allen for many years, even...”
Written on: 22/10/2008
I have banked with Cater Allen for many years, even when they were Flemings. Considering that the service has no charges (yet) I've always had great service. The customer care team are knowledgable and courteous and are UK land based and that counts. I have never had cheques go astray.
I would recommend this bank. The only small fly in the ointment is that the bank is now owned by Santander so anything over £50,000 (if you are lucky enough to have that much!) may be at risk in these...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent service. One or two blips quickly sorted....”
Written on: 11/10/2008
Excellent service. One or two blips quickly sorted. V.reliable.
I am also a 'light' user, never go below the £5000, not in business - but I think there are probably blips in business dealings with any Bank.
I have been with Cater Allen for 15+ years and would recommend it.
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 41 Reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
“I had a situation where I knew a payment would go out...”
Written on: 12/06/2008 by MrAngry1972 (1 review written)
I had a situation where I knew a payment would go out on a Monday. On the Friday I called cater Allen to pay an instant payment over the phone with my debit card. Most banks do this. Not Cater Allen!
I was advised I could do a Chaps payment from my current account at a cost of £25. I figured paying £25 is better than paying £30. On the Monday I informed Cater Allen that I was making a Chaps payment and to put a note on the system. I did the transaction and thought all was well.
Even...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Been with Cater Allen Business Bank Account over 10...”
Written on: 26/03/2008
Been with Cater Allen Business Bank Account over 10 years (when they were Flemings), never a problem. Easy to deal with by phone. Web access is now available which is easy to use. I would suspect that for new small businesses the £5,000 requirement may be off-putting. But on everything else I have no complaints. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Great telephone and general service. ”
Written on: 25/05/2007 by josephaedrus (1 review written)
Great telephone and general service.
Now a website too, though it needs a little spit an polish.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Using their pre-paid mail service has resulted in two...”
Written on: 03/05/2007 by jonathanfox (1 review written)
Using their pre-paid mail service has resulted in two vital pieces of mail disappearing. I wanted to remove a signatory from the account and I sent off the mandate. They told me to fill in section one and that would be fine. Leave the rest blank they said as We were existing signatories and it wasn't necessary to fill out the info they already had.
Weeks later they respond saying that we didn't fill out section 3 *sigh*. So we filled it out and mailed it off. Two weeks later and they still...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I have banked with Cater Allan (or Flemings as they...”
Written on: 17/10/2006 by wildbare (1 review written)
I have banked with Cater Allan (or Flemings as they used to be called) for nearly 10 years. They used to be free free free, but slowly they are adding hidden charges. £10 per month if you go below the minimum £5000 balance, and now new charges, including £1.50 to pay credit in. The time has come to look elsewhere. (read more)
★★★★☆
“You get what you pay for - £10 per month if the...”
Written on: 17/10/2006 by molemag
You get what you pay for - £10 per month if the balance is below £5,000, but top notch personal service in any event. I have found Cater Allen to be both helpful and sensible when dealing with any problems regarding my business bank account. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Cater Allen charge you £10 per month when your...”
Written on: 31/08/2006 by XX (39 reviews written)
Cater Allen charge you £10 per month when your business bank account balance falls below £5000.
They charged us an extra £20 out of the blue after we had informed them that we were closing our account with them and moving elsewhere.
Unsuitable for small business.
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Cater Allen is one of the rare banks where you can...”
Written on: 16/08/2006 by michaelbrocklehurst (1 review written)
Cater Allen is one of the rare banks where you can have accounts, and most importantly, credit cards in 3 different currencies. Thereby saving substantial exchange rate charges. The interest rates on credit balances aren't very exciting though, and they expect you to maintain a reasonable credit balance on all accounts. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I had a bad experience with the cater Allen Business...”
Written on: 27/06/2006 by nimrod786
I had a bad experience with the cater Allen Business Bank Account, after banking with them for over 7 years, most of which was good. I had a real big disaster! My business deal worth a large sum of money fell through because these guys could not open a dollar account in time. They had advised us incorrectly of the forms to complete, and then they refused to accept any responsibility. We was given different advice by different staff members, and nobody really knew what they were doing.
This...
(read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“I think the above says it all about the Cater Allen...”
Written on: 19/05/2006 by dan8989 (1 review written)
I think the above says it all about the Cater Allen Business Bank Account. I now have the hassle of changing my bank, and all because I was not making them enough money. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 41 Reviews
★★★★☆
“I have used the Cater Allen Private Bank service for...”
Written on: 21/03/2005 by Queensparker (2 reviews written)
I have used the Cater Allen Private Bank service for four years. I am a 'light' user, with no overdraft and a low number of transactions. The service has been good throughout and the interest rates still reasonable although not as high as they have been. (read more)
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Stevehem's Comment
Written on: 06/12/2011
This has to be 'an employee writes..'! The individuals who answer the phone are OK, but as with any bog-standard ripoff bank you end up talking to half a dozen people to get anything done. I just called them and the call centre operative took the call, but simply noted my problem and said that I'd get follow up calls from at least three separate individuals (one to deal with errors in downloaded transactions, one to deal with a mysterious DD, one to do with reporting fraudulent Visa transactions).
When I opened an account with Robert Fleming (the predecessor of this bank) you'd speak to someone and they would *own* the problem. Now it's the usual story: nobody takes responsibility for anything, nobody will call you back, call centre is staffed by cannon-fodder who work for a failing megabank that's much more concerned about paying the CEO big bonuses than giving good service to customers.