Thats not the case as im with ulster bank on a tracker variable and over the last 2 years when there was an increase i got a letter within a week and in the next mortgage repayments i was penalised with the new interest hike, this time they are going down I suddenly have to wait the 30 days. Really annoyed about it although looks as if there is nothing i can do about it. If there is id love to know if someone has a suggestion
My first suggestion for UB customers is to make sure you contact their so-called "Customer Care Centre", at
1890-252-304. (This number is no longer listed on their web-site, so much do they care about their customers.)
Make sure you get the name of the agent, and take note of the date and time.
Do not let them bamboozle you with 30-day BS, as UB have passed each and every rate increase, since 2005, on to the customer at the first available opportunity, i.e. the next payment. However, when the rate decreases, as with last month, they make sure that this rate change is not passed on to customers until the last possible date.
They have not applied the rate changes consistantly, and ppl should insist that they re-visit the rate increases, and apply them in the same fashion as the latest change, or else apply this latest rate change in the same manner as heretofore.
Secondly, people should escalate their complaint within UB:
What if you're not happy with our response?
Our aim is that your concern should be resolved as quickly as possible by staff who have the right experience, knowledge and authority.
However, if you're not satisfied with our action or explanation you can ask for your case to be reviewed at a higher level within the Bank.
Our Customer Relations Unit is a specialist team who will investigate your concern fully and aim to reply within 2 weeks of the date you contact us. If the investigation is likely to take longer, they will keep you fully informed of progress.
You can write to the Customer Relations Manager at the address shown below. Please quote your account number, branch sort code, details of your concern and what you would like the Bank to do to resolve it.
Ulster Bank
FREEPOST
Customer Relations
Retail Markets
PO Box 145
Dublin 2
Alternatively you can telephone the Unit on 01 7025351
Thirdly, unless you get a satisfactory response, seek a "Final Response" from UB, and submit a complaint to the FSOB within 15 days of the "Final Response".
Detailed steps, including on-line complaint form, are [broken link removed], at the FSOB web-site.
Also, don't forget, you can also appeal any decision by the Ombudsman, details of complaints procedure are [broken link removed].
I have followed the above procedures with a complaint against UB previously, and I was paid a significant sum in compensation by UB, which was awarded by the Ombudsman, Mr. Joe Meade.
I am not suggesting that aggrieved customers will win, or get compo, but the system is there, and people should use it.