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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 12th January

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Comments (333)

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

  • kitten says:
    12 Jan12 January 13:57

    I would worry about Salesforce on that list.

    It’s laziness of the admin idiots in your trust not to protect your personal data from those. Plus ca change….

    Practically you wont be able ti change this in the time you need to have the jag in.

    I’d go ahead with the jag sending them a note “under protest”. Immediately you’ve had each send a signed-for or other confirmed receipt, note to whoever’s administering this cc: to Head of IT and your GDPR controller and your union/professional association if you have one with the name of the trust also in heading. Reference your earlier note(s) and head it GDPR – excessive data share on required vaccinations and each time formally withdraw your consent according to your rights under GDPR.

    Please have the jag(s) though for all our sakes. if this were a private company, know that your “card could be marked” because of this. Not sure about NHS.

    • Charlieface says:
      12 Jan12 January 15:17

      Salesforce can drive you absolutely mad if they get your details.
      Best solution is to give their reps email addresses out to various other companies (SolarWinds is a good one), that usually sorts it out quick

    • kitten says:
      12 Jan12 January 15:50

      the above was for bazza

  • Lol says:
    12 Jan12 January 14:22

    I’m seeking advice on the best way to transfer small amounts of money from the UK into my Spanish Bank account (which is Banco Sabadell). For the past year I’ve used Monese UK GBP and Euro accounts to transfer the money – no big deal as typically 100 to 200 euros a month. Monese did not charge a fee and their exchange rate didn’t seem bad. However with Brexit from 1st January Banco Sabadell charged 18 euros commission/fees for the Monese Euro transfer. The Monese euro account IBAN starts with GB.

    Revolut is often mentioned on HfP and indeed Rob has highlighted it in the past. I wonder if I should open an account with them to make regular transfers? I see Revolut recently changed their IBAN from a UK to Lithuania one, I guess to overcome the financial passporting problems caused by Brexit. Do they charge for currency transfers and how are reliable are they and their CS? All advice welcome and thanks to all for making this such an educational and informative forum!

    • Optimus Prime says:
      12 Jan12 January 14:45

      Have a look at Starling. There’s no fees on their Euro account as long as your balance doesn’t go above €50000 (- 0.50% AER)

      • Lol says:
        12 Jan12 January 15:19

        Thanks Optimus Prime, I will do.

        • Nic says:
          12 Jan12 January 20:42

          Unfortunately when I tried to transfer euros from my Starling Euro account to Spain, the other end nobbled me for 20 quid too. I called up to confirm it was Brexit related and, apologetically, they said yes, UK accounts were subject to charges. Starling’s euro accounts are still GB, so now out of the euro zone too.

          I’m looking into alternatives.

          • Lol says:
            12 Jan12 January 22:12

            Thanks NIC. I’m looking around too. If you find one do put it on here.

          • kitten says:
            12 Jan12 January 22:46

            It’s a money grab since Brexit by the other end. It’s happening a lot with parcel deliveries too.

            Maybe use a fintech first as the initial destination in Spain. Is N26 there?

            I doubt parcel costs or finance industry costs increased by anything like charges now being made.

            Not sure why the supposed zero tariff agreements don’t seem to be working here. I thought the financial services industry looked not to have been protected on the amazing UK exit deal. But actually it looks now like it’s the consumer that’s been left without protection against moneygrabbing and profiteering.

    • Pete M says:
      12 Jan12 January 15:47

      Transferwise?

    • kitten says:
      12 Jan12 January 16:44

      not Rev

      the company is not well run and quite a few reports of people’s money being stuck and held by Revolut when the person was not doing anything wrong.

      Then when that happens Revolut can be hard to reach and can take up to months to get it fixed. Avoid.

    • BuildBackBetter says:
      12 Jan12 January 17:00

      TransferWise. Best customer service and competitive rates.

    • HuThUn says:
      12 Jan12 January 17:08

      The HFP crowd hates on Revolut, but they are by far the most efficient and competitive company. Yes, they are a toxic workplace with high profile sociopaths, but if this is your main gripe then please stop using Uber/UberEats or Amazon or Netflix and move to the forest.

      Funnily enough I also transfer to Sabadell on a monthly basis (but higher amounts) with Revolut and haven’t had a single issue yet.

      Customer service has historically been a bit of a nightmare but is improving now. I wouldn’t worry too much especially with such low amounts.

      • Lady London says:
        12 Jan12 January 17:21

        HuThUn HfP feedback has developed over time here. Wasnt negative to start but tenor of comments over time has become negative.

        The recent switch of Rev licencw to Lithuania was also handled badly with the new hallmarks of Rev of poor communication and in fact no proactive communication of the implications of this changw. Which led to Rev demanding re-provision of all ID even that very recently provided, for example. Which can only be provided by video screen in their app which is nightmare in low light winter or electric light causing shine on passport pages (that they’d had one month before) leading to 20 rejections “it’ll only take you a couple of minutes”.

        Such is dealing with Revolut Run, run to Starling. Or even Monese, or Monzo if you have to. Revolut? You’re welcome.

        • Yuff says:
          12 Jan12 January 17:54

          I’ve had problems with all these companies and I have tried to use loopholes to earn points with all of them. Since I stopped doing things at Revolut they don’t like they have been ok. I do have a metal account with then though.
          There fx rates are very good during the week, not so good at weekends.

      • BuildBackBetter says:
        12 Jan12 January 18:54

        Lol, it’s not just HR problems, some have got their accounts blocked for reason or were asked to provide documents etc.

      • Harrier25 says:
        12 Jan12 January 20:04

        The only reason some people dislike Revolut here is because they won’t allow them to bend and abuse the rules like dodgy Curve allow them to do. Revolut will get even more strict now as they’ve just applied for a UK banking licence.

        • Tony says:
          12 Jan12 January 22:39

          We use Caxton – again got the 18€ hit – but phoned bank – and la Caixa reversed charge – said made in error – not subject to Brexit in any way

          Other method is to just use hole in wall , and pay in directly – have to put 1000€ a month into bank for small bills etc

          Will post tomorrow exact “text” that got bank to reverse charge, There is no reason for the charge.

    • Steve says:
      12 Jan12 January 22:42

      Western Union app works well for me

    • Catman says:
      13 Jan13 January 06:52

      Try Transferwise as it seems to be WSYIWYG ie the amount it shows is what you get. I tried Revolut and I got charged fees in Thailand….

  • Mike says:
    12 Jan12 January 14:28

    RV to HH BC is attracting the cash adv fee, correct? And CV is pass through, no help there?

  • Sash says:
    12 Jan12 January 15:22

    Hey all, just wondering if anyone’s got any experience with the Halo test at Sofitel LHR for Dubai trip? Travelling later this month and thinking for using the Test & Rest package at the hotel.

    • BS says:
      12 Jan12 January 16:12

      I attempted to order a Halo postal test. Never turned up and they didnt reply to my 3 emails. I have ended up doing a credit card chargeback in the end.
      On the basis of this I wouldn’t recommend, but you could at least email Halo and see if they reply…

      • Sash says:
        12 Jan12 January 17:07

        I see. I feel it might be different if you do it through hotel, as they handle it with Halo directly.

    • Martin Short says:
      12 Jan12 January 17:29

      I checked in and had the test in the afternoon. Result back a few hours later via email at 1am. Reception printed it out in the morning for me.

    • kitten says:
      12 Jan12 January 22:50

      Test and rest…sounds like a motel.

  • Rhys says:
    12 Jan12 January 16:15

    Is anyone with an Amex Centurion card willing to talk to me about the card benefits etc for an article? If yes, please email me rhys@headforpoints.com
    Thanks!

    • Jonty says:
      12 Jan12 January 19:28

      Nigel the pensioner was a big fan, though haven’t seen him here much recently

    • Tarmohamed says:
      13 Jan13 January 00:25

      Apparently they’re so rare that some Amex staff have never spoken to a Centurion card holder.

  • Sina says:
    12 Jan12 January 16:24

    @747_Brat following your question about WE card yesterday, I just checked my online banking and my card is changed to WE after requesting the upgrade yesterday. So get in touch with HSBC and open a complaint if required!

    • 747_Brat says:
      12 Jan12 January 16:42

      Thanks Sina. Following your comment yesterday, I called them again this morning, and they shamelessly admitted that the credit card agreement I signed in the branch was not scanned and uploaded. Therefore, the credit card team couldn’t issue me a card! 😯

      So I had to make another visit to the branch today to sign the card agreement again. Hopefully. it will work this time around. Fingers crossed!

      Please may I check how did you request for an upgrade from Premier to WE? Was it online? I got Premier Card this time, but I do plan to upgrade in future if there is a bonus sign-up offer.
      Thank you.

      • Youllnever says:
        12 Jan12 January 16:51

        Please update us on how it goes! I’ve made a new application for the WE card, was approved, but was told they needed to mail me something to sign and then send back before they could issue it. 😑

        • 747_Brat says:
          12 Jan12 January 16:55

          @Youllnever
          That’s the card agreement. They offered to mail it to me as well, but it could have delayed my already delayed card application by a week or so. So I opted to visit the branch over lunch, which is 10 mins away from me.

          But if you are not in a hurry, you could wait for the card agreement to arrive in the post.

          • Youllnever says:
            12 Jan12 January 17:01

            Good to know thanks! I did call CS to find out what was happening and if they could expedite the process, but was told that I couldn’t sign it in-branch…

          • 747_Brat says:
            12 Jan12 January 17:04

            That’s not true. I have done it in branch twice now!

          • Jamie says:
            12 Jan12 January 17:40

            Clearly very essential, heaven forbid you have to wait up to a week to get a form.sent through.

      • Sina says:
        12 Jan12 January 16:59

        Oh that’s a shame! I called my relationship manager at my local branch (was given details when opened my account) and he sent me the filled out forms, I signed and returned by email, was told he will then submit it to the concerned team and I might get a call-back. But didn’t get a call.

        Hopefully this time they’ll be more careful in submitting your form!

      • Rahaney says:
        12 Jan12 January 20:36

        @747

        My WE took 6 weeks to finally arrive.

        As I applied for it at the same time as the current account they said that the system always processes it as a standard card first even though you can clearly request the card. Then because they were sending the agreement out by their online service it was wrong because it was the standard card.

        You also cannot have 2 agreements open in the system at the same time. So I had to wait for it to time out then get them to send a new one. This then failed to process and I had to go into a branch for them to scan it directly. Was a right mess of a process, but they credited me £50 for the inconvenience.

    • 747_Brat says:
      12 Jan12 January 17:01

      @Dan
      Please could you confirm how you lodged a complaint to get compensation from HSBC for your delayed Premier Credit Card?
      Thanks.

      • Dan says:
        12 Jan12 January 19:23

        I phoned the number of the back of card and got through to the Premier agent – explained the situation and said it was causing inconvenience. To be fair to them, I didn’t really have to push that far to get the goodwill gesture – which was surprising.

  • Tom says:
    12 Jan12 January 16:41

    Does anyone know whether you can currently transit through Doha Airport on separate tickets?

    • marcw says:
      12 Jan12 January 16:55

      no

      • Ed says:
        12 Jan12 January 16:58

        Are you sure about this? I thought that there are reports on Flyertalk where Qatar are allowing Qatar to Qatar transfers through DOH even when each sector is booked separately. Have a look on Flyertalk for more info though.

        • Tom says:
          12 Jan12 January 17:08

          Seems to be so many conflicting reports. At the moment I have a BA flight in June to Doha and a Qatar connection. They are on separate tickets though. Obviously lots can change between now and then but not clear whether that would currently be a problem!

          • AJA says:
            12 Jan12 January 17:56

            I think your problem will be checking in for the second flight as you have two tickets. I don’t think you can check in airside for the second flight. Also what about luggage? BA does not interline with anyone even if it is Qatar when the two flights are not on the same PNR.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            12 Jan12 January 19:14

            I think luggage would be the real problem if entry was still restricted.

            you can check in online or at the transfer desk but that still leaves the issue of luggage.

  • Wollhouse says:
    12 Jan12 January 16:42

    I despair…. For a second, I was impressed. Answered my phone to a call from BA holidays regarding my booking (flights plus car) which they just cancelled. “Yeah!” I thought, I won’t have to spend days holding on the phone..even better,.. it was the Newcastle call centre… Only to be advised that to move my flight (again, which BA cancelled) would cost me an extra £500 odd quid. I asked her to double check this statement as it was incorrect policy and after a long hold, she advised again that I could either pay the difference or take a refund or FTV. So, that’s now two lots of bookings (flights cancelled by BA) where BA is refusing to rebook at no cost to me. I guess they get enough customers who just give up in despair, but as pointed out by previous posters, at what point do they get hauled up properly for breach? Completely fed up and losing the will to live…

    • kitten says:
      12 Jan12 January 16:55

      holidays rights are different. think they can unilaterally refund if they dont feel they can provide what you want instead. Talk to them again.

      On just flights booking, they have to provide reroute if you want. do not take refund or ftv. try your UK credit card for Section 75 payment by the credit card free of charge to you if they refuse.

      Otherwise you’ll have to buy perhaps by getting travel agent to quote and hold ticket that can be ticketed near time of travel and paid then, this costs a fee that you then claim with quoted ticket cost using MCOL immediately.

      Huaca couple more times o regular office hours, take good notesbof your attempts before doing the above

      • Wollhouse says:
        12 Jan12 January 17:20

        Yes, thanks Kitten. It’s the same strategy as for my cancelled BKK booking. It’s just wrong that the company is playing the game. Clearly successfully, or they wouldn’t bother! Just to clarify, for holidays, do I have the RIGHT to be reticketed at no extra charge under EU 261 or does that not apply. Seems odd that they are legally required to rebook your flight if it’s a standalone, but not if it’s a flight and a car? Just want to be absolutely clear on their legal responsibilities. Thanks

        • Lady London says:
          12 Jan12 January 17:28

          as far as I know it’s their choice for hols. stricter rules so covering their ar$e by refunding is easy choice for them.

          Flights only is EC261 making it your choice not theirs. EC261 not the case for holidays.

        • Anna says:
          12 Jan12 January 17:35

          I don’t think EU261 specifies that the flight has to be a stand alone booking, it just covers flight delays and cancellations. On the face of it it looks as though you would have re-routing rights on top of your package holiday rights, it’s just that the latter tend to get more prominence due to the higher level of protection. I can see practical issues in that there would then be the car/hotel element to deal with and what the value of that would be. They could certainly just move the whole holiday and it’s poor that they won’t do this.
          I would be interested to see something which clarifies whether or not flights booked as part of a package are still protected under EU261.

          • Wollhouse says:
            12 Jan12 January 18:07

            HFP? Any comment? It seems odd that a holiday provides “greater” protection and yet, possibly, means you lose the right to demand they rebook you? I got CW flights for a song and buying them (with a refund or ftv) later in the year will leave me out of pocket, BA rebooking them is definitely the preferred option.

          • kitten says:
            12 Jan12 January 19:23

            you contract for the package not just the flights on the dates and no direct contract for flights so no ec26@ I would say for hols. talk to hols if you dont like it they are friendly+competent and will explain

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