Written on: 06/05/2013 by ---RH---
Incredibly slow to update balances (a week later, still waiting for mortgage balance to update after payments). More often that not it's unavailable. ('Come back later') Renaming accounts doesn't work properly. When they did a recent upgrade, they simply took accounts offline and asked users to 'come back in a few weeks'. What?! (read more)
Written on: 16/04/2013
Pros- You can do more with your account online compared to many other banks They call you whenever a new payment is set up online regardless of amount simple to use and clear language additional accounts opened online quickly (no need for full applications) Very secure Cons- Username is just random numbers which I write down (not my passwords) but then other banks also do this. Halifax will give you a card to carry with you so you can write your username (only) down free of charge To... (read more)
Written on: 14/03/2013
Tried to open a Halifax cash ISA online today but having entered all my details it said there was a problem and my account could not be opened. Rang the Halifax website helpline, female customer assistant could not have cared less. Said yes there was a technical problem with opening new Halifax accounts online, no idea when it would be resolved, advised me to go to a branch or telephone service. I asked why there was nothing on the website to alert customers to the fact there was a technical... (read more)
Written on: 11/03/2013
I have three online banking accounts with different providers and this is by far the least easy to use, every time I end up getting locked out, as there is so much information to remember and as youre not supposed to write it down, I dont! Even the username is a load of numbers not something easy to remember. I dread having to access my Halifax online. (read more)
Written on: 24/02/2013
Registering a telephone number so Halifax can phone you and get your confirmation code... takes days. I telephoned Halifax because they couldn't seem to telephone me, went through all the security questions correctly except: "what was the date you opened your Halifax account?" Erm, 'years ago!', how the hell would I remember that.... No online payment made... Hate this outfit. (read more)
Written on: 20/02/2013
Was with The Halifax when I was younger and have recently joined them again but now with them being owned by Lloyds Banking Group. Had a few problems on opening the account On-line as I wanted to claim the Reward they had at the time of opening. I was given a PDF which I saved. The next day I rang Halifax up and then had nothing with my name on it on there systems and asked to wait till Wednesday. Phoned Wednesday still nothing with my name on it. So I went into local Branch that Wednesday... (read more)
Written on: 27/01/2013
My memorable answer for my online account failed. So the website took me through a long process of asking for personal information before generating a reference number asking to phone an 0845 number. On the 0845 line, I was asked the same personal questions again, before being put on hold for 20 minutes, before finally speaking to an advisor, who informed me my online account was now reset . I went through this whole process 3 times before I gave up. A really shoddy online service compared... (read more)
Written on: 25/01/2013
Trying to streamline the way I do my accounts and have just downloaded my statements to MS Excel 2002 using the .csv format. The problem is that there is no entry on the 'Description' column. It's blank. I have the following columns ... Transaction Date/Transaction Type/Sort Code/Account Number/Transaction Description/Debit Amount/Credit Amount/Balance ... all OK except for a blank in the 'Transaction Description' column. I'm with HBOS and they also offer to download the statement to... (read more)
Written on: 21/01/2013
You'd think they'd be grateful for our business. Not a bit of it. It's really strange that they are so woeful. I spoke to a lady who sounded as if she was a cleaner fielding calls out of hours. The phone line must have been a VDphone cheapo in/out tube echo effect payg - a chinatel toy karaoke machine speaker ran it close. Still I persevered - too British I guess. What a relief though, to get through the 15 minutes of security interrogation (good job I had my hat and collar size to hand)... (read more)
Written on: 18/01/2013
memorable information? what a joke. impossible to remember unless you write it down. they security is just over the top and unnecessary - developed by lazy people who can't come up with a better designed interface. i also have 2 accounts in the usa with chase and citibank - both which have excellent websites and online services. (read more)
Written on: 10/01/2013 by Redtom
Their Online banking is awful, over the top security which makes accessing your account difficult at the best of times, once you're in the balance and transactions will be days old. Telephone support is long and drawn out, I've had them blatantly lie to me over the phone and they've refused to cancel out going payments (which I have every right to do) so I've lost money because of their laziness. Never had a problem with the actual card, always works and never had down time with it, but if... (read more)
Written on: 28/12/2012 by Jenben
Hailfax has got to be the worse bank ever. 17th dec 2012 i went to pay for my shopping but my card wouldnt work. I quickly made walk of shame to cash mashine out side ,thinking there must be somethink wrong with chip and pin mashine in the shop. I then discoved it was to do with the bank i checked my phone banking which told me i had 0ver 700 in the account, so i selected to speke to advisor who was rude and sujested i tamped with my card and they send m a new one ,and advised m to go to my... (read more)
Written on: 13/12/2012
i have 2 accounts both can be used checked online i have 50.00 overdraft on both however one never shows the correct ballance one is correct wil say balcance 10.00 avaialable balance 60.00 the other always included the overdraft in the balance not available balance so is misleading for example it will say balance 60.00 available balance 60.00 when in actuall fact my balance is 10.00 any one else having this ? (read more)
Written on: 03/12/2012
Firstly, I don't have any serious objections with regard to Halifax Bank and have been a loyal customer for over 10 years. However, the security Division within the Bank is over zealous (especially this Christmas) and quite frankly don't seem to look for obvious patterns in peoples spending. I've had to call them a couple of times and it's costing me my time and money! I was refused a Credit Card by them, even though I've never been overdrawn and my credit history is average to good -... (read more)
Written on: 29/11/2012
I would say the bank is good.great customer service when they actually answer the phone. They are quite intense with security which is a good thing but at the same time frustrating when I have my card blocked or payments refused because they believe it could be fraud. That means I have to phone them (chargeable number) and wait some time to prove I am me and I want to use MY money ! I am currently on the phone to the fraud department to ask then to unblock my card so I can buy my item in... (read more)
Written on: 30/10/2012
Anyone who has business accounts and personal bank accounts with the Bank of Scotland should be very wary. Following the takeover by Lloyds Bank if you go on to their call centres with a problem with your business account they will ask you security questions relating to you personal accounts. In my view this is not acceptable, but if you refuse to divulge this info they will refuse to deal with you. I phoned up because the new Smart card system meant I could not get into either of my online... (read more)
Written on: 28/10/2012
International payment made from Halifax online. I ok'd the 10pound fee. However i got charged another fee by an "intermediatary bank", which they did not tell me about. They said it was in their fine print. When I asked for a copy of the fine print, they said they could not make it available, as I had agreed to it online. They also said they never know what the fees are going to be that the intermediatary bank charges. What a sham. I dont mind paying fees when I know about them and agree to... (read more)
Written on: 03/10/2012 by ladylittler (1 review written)
I received 2 letters informing me my husband had clicked online for paperless statements. The 2 accounts are joint, so they wrote to tell me. I phoned to say I wanted paper statements. What is your phone banking security password? I don' t know because I didn't want it! What is the security number on your debit card? I don't know because I destroyed it as I didn't want it. My request could not be processed because I failed the security questions. I now have to wait for the bank to send me... (read more)
Written on: 29/10/2012
The lesson there is "Don't get involved with joint accounts". Doing so leaves you open to problems like THIS... and worse. If hubby decides to gamble away your joint income you're left with squat. With separate accounts,at least you have SOMETHING left to live on.
Honestly, joint accounts area blight on humanity, don't have them people, or at least don't complain when things go pear shaped because of it. The whole world does NOT need to be informed of your own stupidity when this kind of thing happens!
Written on: 28/09/2012
Their online banking system for credit card users is a total joke. You can only pay your bill using the online service if you have a halifax account. Something that wasn't told to me on the phone when I called to initially get my card set up. Compared to the likes of the Barclay card website which is an absolute treat, this website is like going back in time 10 years. You can't even set up your direct debits online. I've used Gym websites which can do that, so why can't the Halifax... (read more)
Written on: 25/09/2012
over the past 6 weeks since i've open a new ac with halifax so all my savings are with the same bank i've had to call them 8 separate times because my card has been blocked, stood in front of a cash point after you enter the correct pin with a lengthy line looking at you when they decline you is not good. Even tho you haven't reached your limit by far and you have funds there available. their excuse was 'well you used your card for an internet purchase this morning twice and now your taking... (read more)
Written on: 20/09/2012
Trying to change your address is like trying to change the tides. First they give you the news that you have to post in a printed out form. You cannot do it online due to security (even though you have passed their security). Then there's no option for your account type. It's loan, mortgage or current account. Credit card customers obviously don't exist. When I tried an option anyway and tried to enter my card number, I ran out of space to type it. When I instead selected post a form to an... (read more)
Written on: 06/09/2012 by suggywombat
Been waiting 30 minutes and still holding........ at stage when you dont want to give up I am moving my accounts as this is not acceptable I would not recommend joining thi scr*p bank should call it customer helpless desk keep clear (read more)
Written on: 22/08/2012 by kev909
Ok odd time you forget your details especially as they need to know your shoe size to log in, you reset then they have to send you a code via the post even thought you answer all the questions. Absolute joke, when you call help line all you then get is pop into branch. (read more)
Written on: 29/08/2012
I've just tried to register for online banking and it doesn't recognise my account number.
Written on: 14/08/2012 by 2bad4you (2 reviews written)
I've been banking with HSBC before and to be honest there's no comparison. Halifax is so much better. I was sort of forced to open an account with them as it was the only bank in a little village in Scotland where I used to live. It's now been 6 years and I'm extremely happy. The people are always lovely and everything gets sorted pretty quickly and efficiently. After my card was stolen and some thug used it to take out money I got a full refund within 15 minutes from walking to the branch... (read more)
Written on: 16/07/2012 by williewonka
I have just tried to take a payment brake on my mortage after my last attempt failed due to the LTV not being right (80%). I was told last time that from April onwards I would be able to take a payment break as by then my LTV would be right. So imagine my anger when I ring up today to be told the LTV must be 75%!. No letter to say the terms and conditions had changed. Thanks very much Halifax . No explination just thats it can't help you today RUBBISH! (read more)
Written on: 19/06/2012
The Halifax banking service through online banking have been taking unauthorised direct debits from my account. I have a payment going out each month for a loan. Its never been in arrears but since 8th June they have taken 3!! payments. I have phoned every day for 11 days and had two indemnity claims made but they have only returned 1 payment and are using my overdraft for which they charge £1 a day. They admit they are in the wrong saying they are putting in a new computer system and my... (read more)
Written on: 08/06/2012
Surprised to read so many bad reviews. Always found the service easy to use and never known it to be offline (unlike barclays). Any transactions ive done on there have been easy to set up and have gone through without any problems (read more)
Written on: 21/05/2012
I transfered my isa from halifax to natwest, the money left my halifax a/c on the 16 th april, so after many phone calls to natwest and halifax, all halifax said was my cheque left them on 16! Natwest told me you have to leave it 15 days then they said there had been a hold up. On 18 of April i had a letter from Halifax to say the cheque they sent natwest had been returned to them but i had been given £27 for the intrest i lost out on! So i phoned them up only to be told my cheque had been... (read more)
Written on: 18/05/2012
its quite an awful service. I spend most of the time on the phone (0845 number) trying to get to MY own money as they constantly just suspend my access (why ?) or the account just closes half way through transactions. Trying to get money out is a real challenge and I am sure its their ploy so the money sits longer in their accounts. . Its by far the worst online service I know. I wish I could move away... (read more)
Written on: 22/05/2012
the situation got worst after another attempts and promises that I could now move my money to my brilliant current account with smile, instead of allowing my transaction to go through they have now placed my money in a one year fixed ISA, which I never requested or asked for...complained again and was told that fraud would investigate and sort it out but still haven't heard back form them despite promises they would call me in two business days....My Money that I wanted to move out is now ted up with them for another year this is crazy and illegal...
Written on: 12/05/2012
ISA Investor:-I've had enough. Having waited a year to get the ISA investor sytem back on line..goodness knows why, it is still not working properly. Money invested close to the end of the tax year was significantly delayed looking as if it was invested this year. To compound this there is a message on the site saying that I don't have a direct debit set up when I do and have done for several years. This month my direct debit has been taken from my bank account, but is not showing in the... (read more)
Written on: 03/05/2012
Hi guys, if you are looking for a secure bank account, forget HALIFAX !!! 2 weeks ago, a company called 'RETAIL FX' made 3 payments of £50 pounds, total £150 on my account. I never heard and use them before. I could the Fraud department from them and they told me the same company did a transaction on my account 2 years ago (which i reported and got the refund straight away). So, because I got the same problem with the same company, they cant help me. :O shocking isnt? now I call the bank... (read more)
Written on: 02/05/2012
I have been with Halifax for 31 years and online banking since it started. Up to date all transactions made online through Halifax whether it's transfer, making a payment, SO, direct debit, the service has provided no problems whatsoever. I have evn used my card abroud without problems. The level of security is getting better to beat online fraud but still like to see an improvement in this. Overall I have been very happy with their services for many years. Yes there has been hiccups now and... (read more)
Written on: 01/05/2012 by DisgruntledSussex (1 review written)
Received a letter from Halifax stating that from April 2011 it would no longer be possible to review investment information online. They planned to bring back the service by April of this year (2012). Nothing has transpired, so Halifax, what are you playing at? Let us know the status otherwise I for one am taking my investments elsewhere! (read more)
Written on: 17/04/2012 by FairlyUpset
After about 3 hours trying various passwords that I had been given, trying to interpret letters with usernames and emails with passwords, talking to automatons on phones that got me half way through a password reset before deciding they could not understand me, I spoke to a real human being, and logged on to Halifax Online. I discovered that I could make no payments, other than bills to companies, without setting up a recipient, for which a phone number is continually asked for, but then it... (read more)
Written on: 14/04/2012
ONline is fine until a problem and then you need to speak to someone...for the last 2 days I have tried to get to Halifax online telephone help desk to be told they are busy and it will take more than 20 minutes !!!!!! What century are they living in !! Here's an idea......employ more people and pay less dividends to shareholders.....real customer care costs money that clearly the Halifax don't want to spend. (read more)
Written on: 10/04/2012 by sweetyboo
I am currently abroad and after making one one call to halifax and attempting to put in my security number once which I forgot, I was told I would be unable to send any a one- off payment. I would need to get back to the uk in 5 days time and get a new security number sent to me, call them again and then be able to send the one- off payment. I have an emergency whilst I'm abroad and I'm unable to help a family member. Currently my entire family are out of the country too. I am stuck. My... (read more)
Written on: 07/04/2012 by fredddy
First of all let me say that I have a number of on-line accounts with different banks and frequently use the on-line services they provide as I spend a lot of time abroad. Halifax is by far the worst of the lot. Its clunky to use, too many adverts, statements have a 'not official bank statement' typed across the top, you can only view 3 months at a time, links are often broken, I could go on... Please for your own sanity, don't inflict this on-line experience (I won't say 'service') on... (read more)
Written on: 31/03/2012
Have a halifax one card - for the 0% on purchases deal. Was logging in ok for a few weeks and then it suddenly said my information was wrong and blocked the login. (Nothing had changed!) Two weeks later - they sent me new login information twice. Tried logging in with this information - it too was wrong and i am blocked again. Went round the loop again - I am now waiting for new login information. Tried ringing them - the person wouldn't listen to me - passed me on to an automated system... (read more)
Written on: 29/03/2012
After a few years, or less, I enjoyed a wonderful MORTGAGE service, as with many others: LloydsTSB banking, Barclaycard... to track one's own financial progress eBay, Amazon.. a planet based on 'passwords' - a human character memory, for anyone older than 5 years, owning a keyboard. The first time ever, Halifax have revoked my mortgage access. Keeping me in the dark, not allowed to know my own balance. All they want is to get their mits on my money, secretly. The simplest magic fix is to... (read more)
Written on: 16/03/2012
I have banked with the Halifax for over 10 years with no major problems. I have lived at my current address for over 6 years, cards and statements received no problem. But last month when my replacement card didn't turn up I contacted them to discover it had been sent to my old address. For some reason their latest system has reverted to using my last address. This is a joint account, I am the second account holder. My partner received his new card at the correct address. At the branch they... (read more)
Written on: 11/03/2012
I have been with Halifax in some way shape or form since 3 yrs old. Now 35. Always been a big fan. Since their merger and upgrade their service is on the down. May as well not bother as it is phone calls galore now. Which are not free. I am moving my online accounts, credit card and mortgage. Stay Clear of a dying Halifax. I also complained and just got a standard nothing to answer reply. I have never missed a payment or had a negative issue from them and they treated me badly. Feel sorry... (read more)
Written on: 09/03/2012 by kfuller01322
For 2 days now I have been trying to make an on line payment. The phone call for authorisation is completed and accepted but then the payment is unsuccessful. When phoning the online help desk, even really early in the morning, I am warned that I am being held in a queue and will be answered in 20 minutes. DONT TOUCH HALIFAX, We will be movong our accounts. Charges will no doubt still be incurred!!!! (read more)
Written on: 03/03/2012
I am more and more frequently finding that the links provided are wasting my time. Today I have tried several but despite using the correct user name and password, I am being "Signed out". It is extremely laborious in the first place getting that far and then only to be told I can't get in. In the past I have managed by changing the links but today none of them allow me in. Why is this so bad? (read more)
Written on: 19/02/2012 by mk2135 (1 review written)
Switched to Halifax back in July frm HSBC, because we experienced terrible service with HSBC when applied for a Mortgage (we've been with HSBC for12years ), anyway that's another story. At first, we had gd service in branches with Halifax, online banking is easy enough, I even recomended my mum to open an acc wiv them. but since Dec 2011, I had a lot of trouble with online banking, from unable to transfer fund due to strange reasons to online banking is unavailable. My poor mum had to go... (read more)
Written on: 02/02/2012 by stuarthyden
I have a Halifax one credit card and in the last few months, every option for managing this online has been taken away. All I can do is check the balance of the account. It's like being back in the 80's! If I need to do anything with it, I have to telephone an operator. Each time I complain and am told that online banking is currently a 'work in progress'. Come on, this is the Halifax and we're in the 21st century - get it sorted please! (read more)
Written on: 03/03/2012
It has just got even worse, I can no longer check my balance online (not great since I turned off paper statements and the site no longer has an option to turn them back on...)
Despite using the card for fuel about once a week, my statement currently reads as follows:
Account balance N/A
Available Credit Nil
Credit Limit N/A
However it does show me my last transaction on the 28th Feb, but that is all. Very very poor. I would phone them, but the 0845 number is expensive to ring.
Lucky I have a direct debit to pay in full each month, else this would be more than a hassle.
Written on: 30/01/2012
Golly gosh Halifax internet banking is the worst I have experienced! I'm not actually sure how they can call it online banking when practically every 'online transaction' involves a phone call. If you want to pay a bill online you have to recieve a phonecall - which is pretty useless if you are abroad, in an area without service or travelling in a quiet/no phone zone! If you want to reset your password you have to make a phonecall which again costs you to verify the change. And all of this... (read more)
Written on: 25/01/2012 by miffed1000 (1 review written)
Bank of Scotland business banking, and personal banking - oh dear. Unbelievably bad service since they upgraded their systems back in September. In short, it's knackered, and they don't seem to have the resources or the ability to fix it. I opened a separate Business Savings Account in September 2011, which I STILL don't have online access to in January 2012. I've called Customer Services 20 times now, and have been given a variety of excuses, half-baked suggestions, and acknowledgements... (read more)
Written on: 18/01/2012 by kayged (2 reviews written)
Before the so called upgrades the Halifax online banking experience was second to none. Now it is virtually non existant. August 2011 was the last time I was informed my statement was ready to download and when I downloaded it, it fully integrated with microsoft money. Now, when you finally locate the statements you can only download for quicken or in csv format, neither of which registers as a downloaded statement in money which causes problems when balancing the accounts. The credit... (read more)
Written on: 17/01/2012 by MoodyM (1 review written)
Since the Lloyds takeover and so called upgrading of the online banking service it's been terrible. It's very limited what you can actually do online. I've had to call into the branch and even their own staff couldn't add my son's accounts to my online account. The credit card statement doesn't give your balance making it difficult to manage, I have to wait for the paper statement to arrive. Basically it's a complete mess, the irony is that before the upgrade it was easy to use and you... (read more)
Written on: 04/01/2012
The "new" Halifax online banking is not easy to use. It also provides only a bare minimum of account management options. For everything else, you must call them, write or visit a branch. Compared to Nationwide, this is a disaster. Steer well clear. (read more)
As rated by real users
"Wow" Read More
"WORKS WELL FOR ME" Read More
"Logging on " Read More
"I want to like them but unfort..." Read More
"Impersonal service" Read More
Subzero2698's Comment
Written on: 03/02/2013
Absolutely terrible online banking system and am considering moving back to Santander (i know, right!?) just to get away from how basic and awful their system is. All you can do on it is check your balance and make a transfer. That's it. Nothing else. The same goes for their Mobile Apps - they're not proper apps, they just forward you onto their online banking mobile website - identical to the one which i can access through my regular browser!
Really, really disappointed with how little effort Halifax have put into these systems, considering how much people are using mobile apps and online banking these days. If Halifax are reading this, have a look at Nationwide for inspiration. Or Natwest. Or Santander. Or Barclays. Or First Direct. Ok, just look at any other bank and you will have inspiration as to how you can back your online system better.