Letters: UK banks are failing customers who live in France

To the Editor,

Regarding the delivery of bank cards from the UK to France, I had to have debit cards for my HSBC account sent three times.

The first did not arrive so HSBC sent another. As that card had not arrived after six weeks HSBC cancelled it and sent a replacement. It duly arrived the next day but of course was now invalid as it had been cancelled by HSBC.

Seven weeks later I received the third card which worked without any problems.

Both the cards I received were sent via Holland which I believe caused the issue, not La Poste which in my experience normally process mail quickly and efficiently.

It is time that HSBC (and First Direct) take their responsibilities to overseas customers seriously – in this instance by using a more efficient postal service.

Paul Taylor, by email

To the Editor,

I have had problems with two of my banks – NatWest and Lloyds – over the last two years.

I went into the branches while in the UK, one card was sent via my old UK address and redirected, I received it the other month.

I asked for another NatWest card last year which arrived here in France. However, NatWest have since cancelled it for unusual activity, forgetting to tell me there is a ‘marker’ on my account. 

This means I have to pick up a replacement card in the branch, even though I said I live in France. 

I am about to order a new card for my Nationwide account. Let’s see…

Maria Time, by email

How do you manage UK bank cards in France? Are there any banks that manage this issue better than others? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com