Post Office Online Saver

I'm an executor trying to close an account. PO failed to ask for all documents that they wanted - for weeks. Eventually I had to make a formal complaint. I have proof that they now have everything they asked for. They upheld my complaint and are still refusing to pay the money they owe me. They have put my money into a low interest paying account and are just keeping it for themselves. They've got a further 8 weeks before I'm even allowed to speak to the Ombudsman.

Consider my ordeal if you ever think of allowing the Post Office to have your money.

Opened an online only instant access saver account 12 months ago - fabulous! Everything, even ID checks done online via my HSBC linked account and initial deposit made whilst sitting at my desk. The higher bonus rate of interest on that account expires in the next week, so at PO's suggestion I tried to open a new online only savings account - website suggested it would be quicker than the last time as they already had my details! Went online, logged into my account, clicked open new account. I was then taken out of my account to a shortened form of application. Excellent BUT NO - I was then asked to post to them certified copies of 2 forms of ID and a cheque for £1.00. What! I thought this was online only. So I called the helpline. No longer was I able to speak to a Bank of Ireland customer services advisor, but a call centre - from the name and accent - outside the UK. Kept getting told to "let me finish" the sub-text actually was "I'm telling you what is on my crib sheet as your question doesn't fit". Was told it was due to Horizon but I can't see the connection, so said ok, as the certified copies and post would cost me, and sending a cheque would be difficult - can't remember when I last used a cheque, or where my cheque book is - I wouldn't bother and would look at other options. Lady said OK - no sorry she couldn't help or was there anything else I required - sub-text I think was "I don't care, as I just work for the call centre". I'm sorry to say, after being amazed at how poor customer service is from HSBC - who proudly display their bottom position of the league table in their quickly diminishing number of branches - this experience was worse - look out HSBC here comes the Post Office Savings/Bank of Ireland!

Recently retired and trying to invest some money in a PO Online 1 yr Saver Bond. I applied on 14th May and have had to contact the PO 8 times to move things along. My application was last, with every single person I spoke top blame the 'back office'. eventually after 2 weeks (30th May) I received the letter to advise to send a 'cheque' to the Armagh office. I sent it next day by recorded delivery (via the local Post Office (£3.50). I gave it a week then checked my account online, the PO account showed the amount had been added. several days later I checked my other account and saw that the money had not been withdrawn. I re-checked the PO account today and the balance had returned to zero.

I contacted PO for the 8th time and was advised that my cheque had not been cleared and that (conveniently) a letter was being sent out today to advise of the same. I enquired of the position with my new account and was advised that it was closed due to not having funds in it after 28 days.....! Seriously, I have tried to get the funds into the account since 14th May, and it has been the slow processes and incompetencies of the PO systems and / or staff that have lost me time, effort and some finances (lost interest).

I have lost 'interest' in the Post Office on various levels.... goodbye and thank you for nothing.

Will J (N.Ireland)

Thank you everyone who has written a review. I opened a savings account but have had trouble accessing it to pay in a deposit.

Just thought it worthwhile checking reviews before I did.

It seems practically everyone has had a problem!

Phew, a lucky escape

It’s obvious the Post Office are not very good with computers, not only Horizon. It has taken them four months to confirm a deceased relatives account. Suggest the government remove the top three layers of management or introduced a new form of bonus scheme, if they don’t do a good job they get a cut in their pay, not their bonus, or demoted. Would never use Post Office to save money, my experience with this has warned me off, the Post Office one had a good name for reliability and efficiency, what happened.

I was looking for a high interest savings account for a reasonable sum of money and the Post Office came out top in online searches.

Unfortunately, that's where the top marks end! They were slow to send anything through, the process for how to deposit money was not clear (the steps outlined did not exist on their website!) and their staff were ineffective and unhelpful.

Finally, after a lengthy phone call, I managed to make my deposit. 48 hours later and it hadn't turned up. Cue another 30 minute phone call during which I was eventually told that the account wasn't linked and so the money wouldn't be received! The money came from my husband's bank and he is a named account holder.

I have decided there is no way I am trying again. I will let the account lapse and chalk it up to experience.

I have never dealt with such inefficiency and pure ineptitude and that is saying something!

Do yourselves a favour and steer well clear!

Was drawn in with the high interest rate for an Instant Access Online Account. Totally happy all online. Seems they are the ones who can't handle online. Linked to Barclays (not some unknown bank) but ended up having to make quite a few phone calls. Then they wanted me to photocopy bank statement and write letter (pen and paper!) and post in older fashioned post box. Hmmm... Over a week later. Money I transferred was rejected and bounced back to my bank account and I can't deposit anything even though they sent me a few emails now, telling me that I had opened account but had not deposited money in yet. More phone calls today. Tried to deposit just £10 again. It's not there. Such a shame in this day and age. Would be good if they could get it all running well and online like it is meant to be. So now, just waiting to see what will happen next......... tune in again. I may write an update on the long saga.

Very difficult to deposit money from HSBC current account into new online account even though P.O.accept HSBC as linked account. Problem being,Post Office uses bank of Ireland... an international bank according to HSBC.

P. O. customer service can't help, manager not available! Someone is going to ring back by end of next week!!

Think I will be closing this account before it's active as dread to think what it's like to withdraw money..... if you manage to deposit any!

My late mother had an account with Post Office Money with approximately £11,000 in it. On my mother's death, as Executor of her Will, I instructed solicitors to act on my behalf. The Post Office has failed to respond to requests to close the account both from my solicitor and from myself. Indeed, despite numerous requests the money has still (10 months after instructing my solicitor, and 4 months after probate was granted) not been transferred to the Estate Account, and requests continue to be ignored. It is an appalling way to behave, particularly in the light of a bereavement. Banking Services Ombudsman here I come.

Lost my faith after just 24 hours of opening an account online. Opened an account online no problem then tried to transfer my opening deposit from linked account but the PO online service was down albeit I woke to an email asking me to transfer my deposit or they will close. Transferred the Opening transfer from another bank that morning (no idea how to do it from linked account despite it being an option) which annoyingly then only showed in my new PO online account 24 hours later so again attempted a small transfer next day as a test which again didn't show some hours later. Rang their customer service to raise my concern ahead of a larger deposit who told me this is standard to take 24 hrs and if I wasn't comfortable then don't deposit any further money when i said this doesn't sound like the account that will work for me they said its my choice if I want to close online. Thus I will close once i see my latest deposit but why advertise good rates to entice large deposits but fail to mention you don't support fast payments? If smaller banks and institutions support it then I would expect BoI/PO to as well. Reading other reviews it just sounds like more hassle than its worth dealing with them.