Using a bank account

[mtbc]

Having opened the aforementioned account with Barclays, I attempted to start using it. I had not yet set up a regular payment for my local council tax^* so I attempted that. Barclays' online banking refused my instruction because it had its own idea of what my account number with the local council should look like which did not match what was plainly on the bill that I had received from the council. (The tax account number is used as the reference for the payment transaction.)

Barclays' customer support agent repeatedly told me not to worry, then took well over half an hour to arrange the payment on my behalf. Now it does look correct, at least.

Needless to say, I am not yet remotely impressed. Any worse than this and I am closing the account and walking away.

^*somewhat like property tax in the US