I believe the main problem with banks is that the local branch staff no longer have any real power and have to refer everything to higher officialdom.
Keith, I am with HSBC and have never had a problem., my story.
I made a complete hash of an internet purchase by filling the wrong address box as a result my HSBC credit card was frozen straight away. Called in the bank, I refused to sort it over the phone, and all was sorted within a few minutes. I nearly always get a greeting when I go in but being rather large I am not easily forgotten.
