Cater Allen Reviews 

We once were friends this bank and I
During pen and paper they rated high.
But with the dawn of digital age
They've often left us in a rage.

Transfer some funds you think is easy
But the process often left me queezy
Insisting calling my 'out of action' phone
No transfer made by the time I got home.

Make a complaint, you dont get far
Ide be better off driving over in my car
Chasing up, I just could cry
£50 appears on account. Compensation? Why?

Each time you call you start again
We have work to do not play this game
Dont start me on the bad website
Stuck in the 80's its a fright!

Parting brings sweet sorrows, true
There are some funny memories too
The time they paid all ours payees twice
Then said we had to fix it ourselves, nice

So we've joined the future, another bank
But with no Switch service, CA I dont thank
Expecting huge problems, this really is it.
Farewell Cater Allen, you really are... a Silly Goose!

(Ps no point contacting you to discuss. Cater Allen never responded to my last complaint without much prodding, but thanks for the invitation)

Just to add to my , it's now 2024

It's now 2026 and this absolutely is the pits. They now, laughably have what they call an app. It is not a app, just a link to the on line banking.
The online banking is still the same chronic disaster.
How can a bank, that's pounded my poor reviews just keep going on like this?

It is now 2024, yet their online service resembles something written in basic for a school project. How long can they keep this going? Why don't they just get a system from the parent company, Santander and perhaps an app so you can use it 24/7???

Another in a long list of issues with the online account.
I have 2 accounts. when I want to make a payment from Account 1, the list of Payees is displayed from Account 2.
I have to log out and back in again multiple times before I can get the correct list to appear!

As mentioned already my wife and I have been customers of this bank through all of it's changes in ownership since early early 1970's when it was Fleming's Bank.
Just recently Cater Allen informed me that I was using my account for business. This was an untrue statement. To support their accusation I was told to complete a business "Know Your Customer (KYC)" form which was impossible to do as I was not running a business. No assistance was forthcoming from their call center as all the personnel who answer telephones run in fear of the KYC. It got to the stage where I was told that my two accounts were to be frozen with all access denied. There was no persuading their complaints department that the accusation was untrue and after 50 years as a customer I was forced out of the bank. My suspicions are that this was a similar event to the Nigel Farage event with Coutts and Nat West recently whereby my banking profile did not fit that which Cater Allen aspired to. It's a disgraceful way to treat customers and at 77 years of age one might also say that ageism can not be ruled out. Their rubber stamp answer to all of the complaints is typical of their shoddy modus operandi.
I see that Cater Allen have decided to append their standard response to this critique. What use one would have to ask would contacting their suggested office be when I spent weeks if not months trying to elicit a positive response from their complaints department. Their complaints representative was a very fair chap who also had no sway over the KYC department. He tried hard and made assurances that my accounts would not be frozen but ultimately even he gave up and admitted defeat. This is not a bank populated by right minded human beings. It is not a bank with which you should begin to think you are secure in your tenure. This bank will turn on you without a single thought to who you are or your track record with them. All those who have written asking why there are so many negative reviews. Here is your answer.....it's just a matter of time until they turn on you.

I have had business bank accounts with Cater Allen for about 30 years, since being recommended by an accountant in the 90’s. Throughout have been impressed and very much thankful for it being fee free, which for small businesses helps a lot - there are not many fee free business accounts available. The website is proficient and phone calls are helpful whenever occasionally required. I have no idea why there are so many negative reviews on here!

My experience of Cater Allen Bank has been positive - they have been helpful with resolving any issues that I have called them about. Payments are processed quickly and the internet banking functionality works well. I am happy with the level of customer service provided by Cater Allen Bank.

Everything is working as expected. I’m predominantly using them for a currency account with a Euro debit card and it works well for this purpose. I’ve had no issue with UK or SEPA transfers in. Or FX conversions using the website (marked up rates).

Online access is only via a website (not app) and this can be clunky, which I think is the main negative of the other reviews, but the account is functional and they have a UK based call centre without a menu system (or long hold) for issues. When you call the service is good and the people are informed and helpful.

My negative would be incoming credits are not processed as quickly as some other banks. Pending debit card transactions are also not displayed anywhere. However the account I have is fee free day to day- this is an acceptable tradeoff.

It took almost a month and four different - and contrary - sets of instructions, to effect a simple dollar transfer from our account, to another dollar account my wife and I have. We have now given up on them altogether and closed our account. We simply do not have the time it takes to deal with them. David Mills

Yet again Cater Allen show scant regard for customers.
I called and requested a copy statement 18th September. Was told I had to put the request in writing, which I did via email on the same day. Was told statement would be with me in 2-3 working days. 13 working days later still no statement, despite chasing 3 days ago and being told it was being sent again. Ridiculous in this day and age that this bank cannot engage with technology, this must cost them a fortune and waste so much time for everyone!

Appalling service, 2.5 months to reply with and initial response after bereavement! Then changing a trust account over has taken months, since Cater Allen received the information and legal documents, I am still waiting and it's been over 4 months so far since they had the final information required. Opened a complaint, which may take up to 51 days. Meanwhile my mum, who is a pensioner can not get her money, when I phone, no one can tell me anything. It has been over a year since my dad died. Totally unacceptable

Business and personal account customer for 35 years (remember Fleming Private Bank?). I used to boast about the excellent telephone banking experience. Now embarrassed by the clunky web interface (no App?) which prevents easy ad hoc payments to friends etc. or even viewing more than 4 direct debits at a time so you have to step through pages and pages just manage them.
Can't wait to get setup with a new provider.

I write this review to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the service provided by Cater Allen Bank. Throughout my dealings with this institution, I have
encountered nothing but frustration, incompetence, and a complete lack of professionalism.
First and foremost, the lack of communication from Cater Allen Bank is simply appalling. Despite numerous attempts to contact them, I have never received a single acknowledgement of my voicemails. It is beyond frustrating to be ignored completely, especially when dealing with important financial matters.
Furthermore, their mishandling of essential documents and paperwork is inexcusable. Despite explicitly emailing the required information as advised, they somehow managed to lose it! mind-boggling to think that in this age of advanced technology, a supposedly reputable bank is incapable of keeping track of electronic files. This level of incompetence is simply unacceptable.
What truly adds to the disappointment is the complete absence of customer service. It is evident that Cater Allen Bank has no regard for its customers' needs or concerns. The complete lack of empathy and willingness to resolve issues in a timely manner is utterly disheartening. It feels as if they have no interest in retaining customers or providing any semblance of a satisfactory experience.
Based on my personal experience, I would strongly advise against doing business with Cater Allen Bank. Their woeful service, lack of communication, and overall careless approach make them an extremely unreliable institution to entrust with your finances.

Opened a Cater Allen business savings account because their rate was good at the time, but now its way behind other banks and savings institutions. WHY? I bet their borrowing rates have risen!

Wow, all these negative reviews! I’ve personally never had any issues. Yes they are a little bit behind the digital times with no app or modern website etc, but hay, it works for me! Everyone is always in a rush but a call to Cater Allen gets things sorted. Nice to speak to a friendly voice!

If I could give minus 100 I would . Absolutely disgraceful racist bank. Because I have an African name the bank is asking me for a itemised list of what I want to spend my money on and are refusing to release my money. I have never heard of such nonsense and I am definitely going to report them the the ombudsman. My mother has an English name and they have never queried or stopped any payment. As soon as I am able I will move my money else where and close this account. I’ve been trying to access my bank account now for over a month.if anyone has sense don’t ever bank with them.

While the people you end up talking to on the phone are helpful and mostly friendly, Cater Allen's digital offering is frankly embarrassing.
Most processes are not yet digitised. Long printed paper forms required to open a savings account or to do any other basic banking task. No app. No electronic statements.
This day and age this complete lack of digitisation is unacceptable.

Do not go anywhere near this bank. I signed up for business banking (which took MONTHS) and it's been one of the worst mistakes I think iv'e ever made. If you use Amazon, Ebay or paypal - Cater Allens system does not allow you to make payments to/with these companies. If you do not like having your card regularly and randomly blocked with no notification from the bank - then do not use Cater Allen. If you do not like clunky web banking.... you get the idea. LEAVE WELL ALONE

Everyone here mentioned that this bank has a website that is straight out of the 80s, but that is not even the worst part: if you want to make any changes, you will need to call them, or send a letter. Also, I have tried to set up my card on Amazon to pay for company-related items, but it still fails. I do not think it is ever going to work. I cannot believe I waited this long before I decided to leave, but I have lot all my patience; I am quite sure I will be long dead and this bank will be still stuck in the 80s.

Tried to open a business savings account, having been in business for over 25 years, with no credit or banking issues. The paperwork was back and forth for months, asking more information on this, that and everything else. Only to be told, two weeks after being chased that we "had not met their criteria". When i called to ask what was their criteria i was informed they were unable to tell me as it was internal policy. Absolute waste of time.