Barclays Bank

This has got to be the worst bank in history. Every day they have ‘technical problems’ or ‘staff shortages’ to excuse their lack of ability to respond to the actual customers. You are left waiting for ages — while staff stop and have a chat when the queue is out the door!
When i first went to open my account i was 17 and just starting work, they wouldnt open me an account until i could prove i had money going in — but i cant get my money going in until i get an account. Eventually i got an account, took with me all ID i thought would be required (birth certificate, passport, proof of address etc) — the lady chucked my ID over the desk (and it fell on the floor) saying ‘well these are all useless’ HOW NICE OF HER!
They gave me a cash card — the whole in the wall card, and said i couldnt get a debit card as i dont earn enough/​couldnt prove i earnt enough. Fair enough, when i could prove it i could upgrade it. I tried to upgrade 5 times, ringing to book an appointment, because when i go in branch they inform em you cant just book in branch you have to phone. No response every time. A few times people said i dont think you can upgrade as you dont earn enough. Bearing in mind i earn £1500 a month at least, i dont earn enough???
Eventually decided to switch banks, who were dealing with the direct debits switches. They misse done — for £5, so it failed. Instead of putting my account in the minus of £5 and asking me to pay that, they cancelled the direct debit and charged me £35 for a failed direct debit — putting my account in the minus of £35??? Makes sense!
This branch has been done up recently, and yet still same old incompetant staff. Left waiting for about 20 mins while staff decided what till they wanted to use. And again, the old notice board was on show ‘apologising for the delay — thay are having technical problmes’ As usual. Yet nothing is mentioned when you get to the till — no sorry or anything, and staff shrug it off and they are unable to answer comments! You would expect a higher level of professionalism from such a well known bank. My advice — Use another bank.