Terrible service, incompetent staff. HBOS have locked my 3 bank accounts (cashcard, ISA, web savers) after someone deposited money into my account using stolen account details. (they tried to buy a phone from me via gumtree). 16 days later, still locked out of all 3 accounts. HBOS helpline is an oxymoron. Staff are clueless. The stated they never received any fax from local branch. Staff there insist it has been sent twice. I did not receive one letter, email or phone call. nothing!

I've banked with them only 3 months and am utterly disillusioned. Paying in involves a trip to the town, (no local branches) queue up in Halifax branch behind 20 or thirty people, then get to the counter to be treated like dirt when they see your BOS paying in book. Then they saunter off to get this ridiculous plastic bag that you have to write your sort code, account no, etc on. Then you have to put the cheque/cash inside. They won't touch it! (Why?). Ring up customer service - what a joke. I once clicked on their online link to inquire about invoice factoring. Filled in the details. Got an automated email saying that for factoring inquiries I had to ring a number? (Why not say that in the first place?) Rang it. Was re-directed half a dozen times, having to repeat my request every time. Finally was put through to someone asked about invoice factoring. She asked me... What is it, exactly? Hung up at that point. Later, wrote, rang and emailed an inquiry about small firms loan guarantee scheme. Nothing. Inquired again. Nothing. Later, rang again - was faxed half a dozen copies of what look like a dog-eared form that had been kicking around for weeks. It wasn't even complete. This lot are a joke - full stop.