Finance PoA - which companies make it easy, and who to avoid.

[Malbecfan]

Following on from other threads, I thought it might be helpful to share our experiences to help those starting the PoA journey.

My dad still has capacity but Barclays Bank set me straight up with my own cards & PINs for his accounts once I had taken the certified copy in along with my ID (and my dad). Plusnet have done it over the phone. Both made it very straightforward. Plusnet have a scheme for customers needing more support, which I was impressed by.

Avoid Prudential at all cost.

Eon Next have been ok.

DWP have been fantastic.

LV we’re good.

Virgin money were good when DF passed away and DM had dementia, setting my brother and up with cards/online banking. However when DM died, it all went pear shaped until we got probate and we’re able to open an executor’s account. Unfortunately this only comes with 1 cheque book. No cards and no internet banking.

Santander were a nightmare when DH had PoA for his late DM.

Another vote for Barclays who have been careful but also helpful.

Tbh as I have needed to go to the branch for quite a few things I would prioritise a bank that is accessible in some form. Not sure what First Direct would be like for POA accounts? It feels that Barclays have a lot of structures around online banking that my own bank Lloyds make a bit easier.

Nationwide didn't make it easy.
Amongst other things, they will only allow one person to have a card and a statement so as my mum still likes to see (though does not take in) the statement and pay her hairdresser I have to pay for things myself and transfer it over

Halifax have been very helpful. BT, SAGA and British Gas were good too.

HSBC have been a bloody nightmare. EOn are obstructive for no reason.

HMRC are a total nightmare. Insisted on an original paper copy of my aunt’s LPA then lost it before returning it. Fortunately it was a verified copy rather than the original. No apology, no explanation and lots of fruitless phone calls.

@petalpower that sounds awful.

HMRC have messed up my line manager's tax. She has been working in my school since September 2022 and paying Tax, NI etc. HMRC claim that she isn't working. They want her to phone in the daytime when they are open, but she can't do it easily because she's at work. I've offered to cover a class for her so she can sort it out. It's not good enough.