UPDATE: Because I did not use my MBNA credit card that they issued in 2 years, they have now taken it away from me. Obviously they simply don't like honest and competent people who know how to manage their finances.

I read VELOXUK's response ... remember the basics - if you don't get it in writing, then you will not stand a chance in court. If they don't like writing, it is for two reasons, (1) they are lazy and cannot be bothered, (2) it means that they will have to get it right first time.

SANTANDER is Spanish for "professionalconartistsineurope" and I wish them everything that they wish me.

SHARK!

Alliance & Leicester are the most incompetent and obstructive organization I have ever encountered. They are incapable of handling simple processes like address changes or transfers between accounts without making a series of basic errors. Their Complaints Procedure and "Customer Service" are a sick joke. My father, sister, daughter and I have all terminated our accounts with them, and I would advise anyone thinking of opening an account with A & L to look elsewhere – anywhere!

M E Leigh

Hi im going to have to disagree, when I got in trouble with them they really helped me out. They dont like writting I will agree, but complaints will write back to you also their calls are recorded and kept.

As a long-term and never-missed-a-payment client, you would have thought that I would be a 'wanted' client by A & L. Unfortunately not. Without going through the whole sorry saga it boils down to a simple issue. If you write to A & L about any aspect of your mortgage or requiring help, they simply refuse to answer in writing at all. They will ring and discuss what you have said, but when all is said and done, nothing appears in writing so you don't have a leg to stand on if you need to go legal.

Since they became Santander, their awful customer service has become state-of-the-ark and their ability to assist is even worse. If you have a mortgage with these crocks, take my advice and get another product as soon as you can. Santander is not interested in customer care - they are interested in money and they don't care what they have to do to get it - even when they sell bad products without even declaring the small print until it is too late.

SHARK!